Albizia sp.

Silk tree, mimosa

Silk tree gets its name from the exotic pink flowers which have delicate silky filaments. Because of this, the tree makes an interesting, if problematic bonsai. The tree is short lived and the leaves are huge, making it suitable for only large size or unconventional bonsai. In addition, when the flowers get wet, they turn into a gooey mess. Silk trees have been grown as bonsai by several authors of repute, but are not extremely popular, for obvious reasons. The tree is called "mimosa" in the south, but should not be confused with the similar trees, Acacia baileyana and dealbata, which are called "mimosa" in Texas.
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Lighting:

 Needs a lot of light.

Temperature:

 Loves heat. Hardy in zones 6-9. Needs winter protection in the colder areas of its range to prevent dieback.

Watering:

 Moderate to slightly dry. Do not ever get the flowers wet!

Feeding:

 No information available.

Repotting:

 Grows best in well-drained soil, although tolerant of poor and alkaline soil. Repot in spring.

Styling:

 Suitable for only large size or non-traditional bonsai, due to the large compound leaves. In nature, they often grow with multiple trunks, and thus may suggest this style in bonsai. Prune in winter or early spring as needed. Wire branches when relatively young, as the branches become quite brittle when old.

Propagation:

 By seed. Soaking and scarification may be necessary, as with most legumes.

Pests etc.:

 No information available.

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Related posts on Albizia:

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Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 23:52:29 -0600
From: Phil Stephens 

>     Albizia julibrissin (silk tree, mimosa): 
>     Here in north central Oklahoma there are a lot of the pink silk trees.
The
>     only problem I can for see is that the tree is gather brittle and has a
>     number of the problems associated with trees that are fast growing and the
>     suitability for bonsai.

Hard to imagine any possibility as a bonsai for this one. Really enormous
compound leaves. Relatively short-lived. Too bad, though, they can create
some interesting shapes.

As a lawn tree, there are a few minor problems. The abundant flowers
dissolve into a vile goo upon falling, and the leaves and seedpods can
deeply carpet a fair stretch of yard in the Fall. The seeds germinate
aggressively, and you may find yourself calling in air strikes just to
control the seedlings.  ;-{ )  I like them, though. They are interesting
trees with nice shapes and tend to be great for kids to climb in when they
get old.

Regards,
Phil

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Information Sources:

Information on Albizia is taken from Lesniewicz's Bonsai in Your Home," Murata's "Four Seasons of Bonsai," and posts from Tom LeBrom and Phil Stephens, with species information from Mitchell's "American Nature Guides: Trees," Thomas (ed.) "The Hearst Garden Guide to Trees and Shrubs," and the Time-Life Virtual Garden database found at http://pathfinder.com/@@7dTfpQcAvFweGRC7/vg/Welcome/welcome.html.


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