Silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) | seeds, 10 pcs.

PARTIALLY HARDY

• Latin name: Albizia julibrissin
• Danish names: Silketræ
• English names: Silk tree, mimosa tree, Persian silk tree

Albizia julibrissin is an elegant and light-structured deciduous tree, known for its fine, bipinnate leaves and its silky, powder-puff flowers in shades of pink. The species originates from Asia, spanning from Iran and the Caucasus through Central Asia to China, and has become popular in warm and temperate regions worldwide as a highly decorative ornamental tree.

The tree has a wide, slightly umbrella-shaped growth habit and an almost tropical appearance, even though it can be grown in more temperate climates. The leaves often fold up at night or in cool weather, giving the plant a lively and distinctive character. In the summer, the characteristic silk-thread-like flowers are produced, which are not only beautiful but also very attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Cultivation and requirements

Albizia julibrissin thrives best in full sun and prefers:

• well-drained soil
• a sheltered and protected location
• moderate watering, especially while the plant is young

The species is relatively drought-tolerant once established and prefers warmth and good drainage over heavy, wet winter soil. In Denmark, it can be grown in very sheltered spots, especially in mild regions and protected gardens, but young plants are more sensitive to frost than older specimens.

Many choose to grow the silk tree as a potted plant for the first few years so it can be overwintered in a protected area until the plant is larger and more robust.

Growing from seed

Seeds of Albizia julibrissin are usually relatively easy to germinate when pre-treated correctly. For best results, we recommend:

• soaking in warm or lukewarm water for 12–24 hours
• sowing in a light and well-drained soil mix
• a temperature of 20–25 °C
• keeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet

Germination often occurs within 1–4 weeks, but can take longer. Young plants usually grow well in warm and bright conditions and develop their fine, pinnate leaves early on. Young seedlings should be protected from hard frost during the first few years.

Utility and collector value

Albizia julibrissin is primarily grown as an ornamental tree, valued for its light, exotic foliage and decorative flowers. It is a plant that adds an almost Mediterranean feel to the garden or container collection.

For collectors and plant enthusiasts, the silk tree is particularly interesting because it combines a tropical appearance with the possibility of cultivation in mild parts of Denmark. Growing from seed allows you to follow the plant's development from a tiny seedling into a distinctive small tree.

Albizia julibrissin is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow an elegant and exotic ornamental tree entirely from seed – an exciting species with light foliage, beautiful flowering, and great decorative value.

- Also available in a pink variety Albizia julibrissin "Rosea"