Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Albizia. |
Common name |
Silk tree, Acacia of Constantinople. |
Family |
Fabaceae (formerly Legumes). |
Origin |
Asia, Africa and South America. |
Dimensions |
Up to 12 m high and 6 m wide, with rapid growth (50 to 60 cm per year). |
Foliage |
Lapsed. Light green leaves, composed of pairs of leaflets arranged in opposition along the main stem. |
Bloom |
From June to September, delicate plumes of stamens range from light pink to bright pink. White or yellow depending on the variety. |
Exposure |
Sunny. |
Ground |
Light and well drained. |
Rusticity |
-10°C. |
Albizia
is a cousin of mimosa
.
Extremely decorative, it brings its elegant curves and pretty colors to the garden.
The shape of this parasol tree also offers very appreciable shade in summer!
The silk tree has more than 150 varieties
If the
Albizia julibrissin “Rosea”
is the most common with its pink flowers, the
Albizia “Summer Chocolate”
is not lacking in allure with its purple/brown foliage and its pale pink flowers.
The
Lebbeck albizia
stands out with more rounded foliage and yellow flowers!
Just as aesthetic, the
Albizia
“Pendula”
has a “weeping” tree shape.
Where to plant an
Albizia
?
The silk tree thrives in the sun, it is even a crucial point for the development of its
characteristic
feathery flowers .
Choose loose, well-drained soil, avoiding areas subject to strong winds, as the branches are quite fragile.
The
Albizia
should be planted in isolation and far enough from buildings; it needs space to flourish!
Also read: 6 disadvantages to be aware of before planting an albizia in your garden
When and how to plant a silk tree?
The best time to plant
Albizia
is in spring, after the last frosts.
Between April and May, when temperatures soften and plant growth begins again.
Avoid planting in fall, as the tree needs time to become established before winter arrives.
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball;
Mix compost with the excavated soil to enrich the soil;
Carefully remove the
Albizia
from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots;
Place in the center of the hole making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil;
Fill with soil and tamp gently to eliminate air pockets;
Water abundantly after planting to encourage rapid rooting.
The best time to plant Albizia is in spring, after the last frosts.
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No use without permission.
How to maintain a silk tree?
Water regularly the first year
: after planting.
Make sure the soil remains slightly damp without making it soggy.
Applying a layer of organic mulch will allow you to space out watering while amending the soil and preventing the regrowth of weeds!
Fertilization:
In spring, enrich the soil with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer specially formulated for flowering trees.
Crushed horn is also a valuable enrichment for trees; you can bring it to the plantation then once a year;
Should the silk tree be pruned?
Not really,
Albizia
pruning
is limited to the elimination of dead, diseased or damaged branches.
This light pruning should preferably be carried out in spring.
Be careful, go slowly, this large tree doesn't like severe pruning!
Also read: The 12 most beautiful pink flowering trees for a spectacular garden!
Does
Albizia
fear frost?
The silk tree is a tree native to temperate regions, it can nevertheless
withstand frosts down to -10°C
provided that they do not last too long.
In colder regions, it is important to take precautions to protect the silk tree from frost, this is even more the case in the first years.
Spread dense mulch around the base of the tree to help maintain a more stable soil temperature;
Wrap the young tree in a canvas or breathable fabric during the winter months.
If you are growing an
Albizia
in an area with very cold winters, you should choose a dwarf variety like
Albizia Ombrella
and
plant it in a large pot.
You can then move it under cover during the cold season to protect it from frost.
How to multiply
Albizia
?
If you want to propagate your silk tree, it is possible to do so
from seeds or cuttings
.
The seeds are harvested in the fall and soaked in hot water for 24 hours before planting.
For cuttings, the semi-lignified stems will be taken in spring and rooted in a mixture of potting soil and sand.
If you want to propagate your silk tree, it is possible to do so from seeds or cuttings.
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No use without permission.
Susceptibility to pests and diseases
The silk tree can occasionally suffer from insect invasions.
They should be eliminated with natural or, failing that, chemical insecticides.
If the problem is recurring, spraying a repellent manure, such as nettle manure, will also be an excellent method.
Aphids cause leaves to distort and deposit honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold (a black fungus) on the leaves;
Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and depleting the tree;
Mimosa moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of Albizia
,
leading to partial or complete defoliation of the tree.
The silk tree is particularly resistant and
has little fear of disease
.
However, it is not uncommon to experience the appearance of rust.
This fungal condition appears as orange spots on the leaves.
It does not endanger the tree, it is more a question of aesthetics.
Prune and get rid of the impacted parts (not compost!) then apply a fungicide treatment.
Regular monitoring
allows
you to quickly detect the presence of pests or any signs of disease.
The impact will therefore be minimal and treatment easy.
This is the key to keeping a beautiful, healthy
Albizia
and a splendid garden all year round!