Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate', commonly called the Mimosa or Silk Tree, is a fast-growing ornamental deciduous tree native to Asia that has become a southern classic. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, this variety reaches 20 to 40 feet tall with a graceful, vase-shaped form and spreading umbrella-like crown. From June through July, it produces showy clusters of soft pink, powder-puff flowers with a delicate fragrance that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. The feathery, fern-like foliage creates light, dappled shade and gives the tree a tropical feel, while its drought tolerance and deer resistance make it a low-maintenance addition to sunny to partially shaded landscapes.
600
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-9
480in H x 600in W
—
High
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The Mimosa blooms within 2 to 3 years of planting, rewarding gardeners quickly with stunning pink summer flowers that hummingbirds cannot resist. Its fast growth, graceful feathery foliage, and ability to thrive in heat and drought conditions with minimal fussing set it apart as one of the most carefree ornamental trees for warmer regions. The soft powder-puff blooms arrive reliably in early to mid-summer, creating an unmistakable tropical aesthetic that transforms any garden into a showpiece.
The Mimosa serves as a flowering tree and ornamental shade tree, prized for its rapid growth, graceful form, and stunning summer blooms. Gardeners plant it primarily for its visual impact: the delicate pink flowers and fern-like foliage create a focal point in landscapes, while its ability to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees makes it valuable for pollinator gardens. Its tolerance for poor soils and drought conditions makes it especially useful in difficult-to-plant areas where other ornamentals struggle.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 5 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date at 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the seed-starting mix at consistent moisture levels and provide adequate drainage. After germination, maintain growing temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit until seedlings are ready to harden off.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space trees about 50 feet apart to allow for their mature spread of 20 to 50 feet wide. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade, though full sun produces the best flowering.
Pruning is recommended to manage the Mimosa's spreading form and address its tendency to develop weak-wooded limbs susceptible to wind and ice damage. Remove crossing branches, weak growth, and any limbs showing signs of storm damage. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Keep an eye on self-seeded seedlings around the base and remove them promptly to prevent unwanted volunteer trees.
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“The Mimosa tree originates from Asia, with its native range stretching from Iran to Japan. It has been widely planted throughout the United States as an ornamental specimen and has become so naturalized in parts of the southeastern U.S. and California that it now appears spontaneously in vacant lots, clearings, and waste areas. This remarkable journey from Asian ornamental to American landscape staple reflects both its popularity among gardeners seeking quick-growing shade and flowering trees, and its vigorous self-seeding capability that has allowed it to establish itself across diverse regions.”