Persian silk tree
Also known as
Silk tree, Mimosa tree, Albizia, Pink silk tree
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Albizia julibrissin, commonly called Persian silk tree, is a fast-growing, deciduous ornamental prized for its fern-like, bipinnate foliage and silky, fragrant pink flowers that appear in summer. The leaves exhibit nyctinasty, folding at night and during rain. Mature trees typically reach 6–12 m tall with a broad, umbrella-like canopy and smooth gray-brown bark. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, followed by flat, brown seed pods persisting into winter. Native from Iran through the Himalayas to China, Korea, and Japan, it has naturalized widely in warm-temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating heat, drought, and urban conditions once established. However, it can be invasive in some areas and is susceptible to mimosa wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), especially in poorly drained sites. Cultivars vary in cold tolerance and leaf color. In containers or small gardens, regular pruning helps maintain shape and manage size, while good air circulation and drainage reduce disease pressure.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Persian silk tree
Water
Water deeply but infrequently. For newly planted trees, irrigate weekly during the first growing season, providing a slow soak to wet the root zone 20–30 cm deep; increase frequency during extreme heat. Once established, Albizia becomes moderately drought-tolerant and typically needs watering only during prolonged dry spells. In containers, allow the top 3–5 cm of medium to dry before watering thoroughly until excess drains. Avoid chronic wet soil, which predisposes the tree to root and vascular diseases.
Light
Provide full sun for 6–8+ hours daily to maximize flowering and canopy density. Albizia tolerates light shade but will produce fewer blooms and a more open habit. In hot inland climates, all-day sun is acceptable if soil moisture is adequate. Avoid deep shade or indoor low-light situations; the species is best grown outdoors, where good air movement also reduces fungal disease pressure.
Nutrients
Albizia julibrissin is a light feeder. In the ground, incorporate compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 to 10-10-10) at bud break in spring; avoid high-nitrogen products that promote weak, sappy growth at the expense of flowers. In containers, use a controlled-release fertilizer once in spring or a half-strength, balanced liquid feed monthly during active growth. If chlorosis occurs on high-pH soils, apply chelated iron and adjust soil pH. Always water in thoroughly after feeding.
Temperature
Best performance occurs in warm summers with daytime temperatures of 20–32°C. Hardy in roughly USDA Zones 6–9, with mature trees tolerating short dips to about −15°C; young plants are more cold-sensitive and benefit from winter protection. Avoid sites with persistent freezing winds or frost pockets. In containers, protect roots from hard freezes and avoid exposing the root ball to repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
