Below, we describe Albizia julibrissin, the Persian silk tree. The tree blooms profusely in July and August with light pink flowers clustered in dense heads, creating a beautiful sight. After flowering, Albizia julibrissin produces pods containing usually 6 seeds, though these are not very abundant in our climate. A typical characteristic is its vase- to umbrella-shaped crown, with widely spreading branches. The tree can reach a height of 6 to 10 meters.
A truly remarkable feature is the compound leaves that fold up in the evening—I highly recommend seeing this for yourself. In a country like Italy, you’ll sometimes find rows of Albizia trees along the Mediterranean coast; it’s a truly special sight to witness this phenomenon in the evenings. This phenomenon is the reason the tree is known in the Netherlands as the “sleeping tree.” The twice-pinnate compound leaves can grow as long as 20 to 30 cm. These delicate leaves add great ornamental value in the summer.
The tree thrives in a Mediterranean climate and may therefore be somewhat susceptible to frost during harsh winters. This cultivar is therefore best planted in a sheltered but sunny location. It is also a popular choice among enthusiasts for planting along green belts, in parks, or in (botanical) gardens. In the Dutch climate, this tree species is likely less suitable for planting in large numbers in public spaces.
A well-known cultivar that is sometimes used is Albizia julibrissin ‘Boubri’, a synonym for Albizia julibrissin ‘OMBRELLA’. We grow Albizia primarily as a tree, but also as a multi-stemmed shrub.
Photos taken at: Efteling, Floriade Almere, Orléans, France, and our nursery
| Application: | Trees in containers, Trees on rooftops, Large gardens, Small gardens, Squares and parks, Standalone trees, Streets |
|---|---|
| Growing conditions: | (Partial) shade, Dry (sandy) soil, Normal soil, Tolerates some paving, Sensitive to frost, Sunny |
| Growth habit: | Round / flattened round |
| Flower color | Pink |
| Adult height: | Second size trees 6-12 m |
| Soil: | preference for drier soil type |
| Flowers: | very ornamental pale pink flowers in dense heads together (July-August) |
| Fruits: | flat legume with light brown seeds |
| Environmental factors: | sensitive to frost; requires a sheltered location |
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