Albizia julibrissin Summer Chocolate (Silk Tree)

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.