Alphabetical Plant Listing

Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' (Silk Tree)

Silk Tree 'Summer Chocolate', Mimosa 'Summer Chocolate', PP13,822


Noted for its striking dark foliage, award-winning Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' (Silk Tree) is a large shrub or small deciduous tree of vase-shaped habit with an umbrella canopy of large, fern-like, deep burgundy leaves. Emerging bronze-green, the leaves mature to purple as the season progresses and retain that color into fall, even in hot and humid conditions. Fluffy, pink and white, pincushion-like flowers adorned with prominent stamens, open in early summer and cover the tree. Fragrant, the blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies. They are followed by flat bean-like seed pods, 7 in. long (17 cm), which persist into winter. A colorful and exotic-looking landscape tree that is most attractive as a multi-stemmed tree.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows quickly with an open habit, up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 20 ft. wide (600 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but the best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor or alkaline soils. Drought tolerant and thrives in the high summer heat and humidity. Grows fast with regular water.
  • Perfect for shrub borders, coastal gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Pest-free, it is deer resistant. Keep an eye out for Verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
  • Albizia julibrissin species is native to China, Iran to Japan.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Albizia - Mimosas
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m)
Spread 18' – 20' (5.4m – 6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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Star Roses & Plants,  Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Iva Villi, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Albizia - Mimosas
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m)
Spread 18' – 20' (5.4m – 6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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