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About this plant
What makes this plant special
OMBRELLA ('Boubri') is grown for its deep pink, almost red powder-puff flowers, which cover the crown in July and August and attract bees and other pollinators. It forms a small tree of about 5 m that grows wider than tall, to some 6 m, casting light shade over a terrace; plant it in a warm spot sheltered from cold winds.
Mimosa tree Albizia
Silk trees (Albizia) are deciduous trees and shrubs of the pea family, native to tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. They are prized for their feathery, finely divided foliage, much like that of the mimosa, and for their silky, fluffy flower heads made up mainly of long stamens.
Persian silk tree Albizia julibrissin
The silk tree comes from the region between Iran and Japan and is by far the most widely grown species. It forms a fast-growing small tree with almost horizontal branches and a flat, umbrella-shaped crown. In high summer it is covered in fragrant, pink-and-white powder-puff flowers, followed by long, flat pods.
Location and soil
Plant in full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, as flowering is best in the sun. A light, well-drained soil suits it best; it tolerates poor, alkaline ground and dry spells but not waterlogging. It is only moderately hardy: established trees survive short spells of hard frost, while young plants need winter protection.
Pruning and care
Water regularly in the first year; after that the tree copes well with drought. Shape young trees each year in late winter, from late February to early March; older trees respond poorly to hard pruning. The leaves fall after the first frosts without autumn colour, and the tree may self-seed.
Use in the garden
Ideal as a specimen tree in a lawn or beside a terrace, where it gives light summer shade. Leave enough room for the crown and keep it away from foundations, as the roots spread and may sucker. In regions with harsh winters, grow it in a large container for the first few years.
Plant characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Albizia |
| Species | julibrissin |
| Cultivar | 'Boubri' |
| Trade name | Ombrella |
Flowering
| Flowering period | june to july |
| Colour (flower) | red, pink |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 500 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -20 °C |
| Soil type | neutral |
| Location | sun |
| Wind resistant | sheltered |
| Soil moisture | normal |
Use
| Type (use) | tree/standard, multistem, solitary |
Care
| Pruning | february to march |
