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Mimosa (Silk tree) -Albizia
sp.
General Information: Albizia are called silk
trees because of the exotic pink flowers which have delicate
silky filaments. Because of this, the tree makes an interesting,
if problematic bonsai. The tree is fast growing, deciduous, but
short lived (10 - 20 years) 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. 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.
The tree has a low branching, open, spreading
habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like foliage. Fragrant,
silky, pink puffy pompom blooms, two inches in diameter, appear
in abundance from late April to early July creating a spectacular
sight. But the tree produces numerous seed pods and harbors insect
(webworm) and disease (vascular wilt) problems.
Family:
Leguminosae
Temperature: It
loves heat. Hardy in zones 6B - 9. Needs winter protection in
the colder areas of its range to prevent dieback.
Lighting: Full
sun.
Watering: Moderate
to slightly dry. Do not ever get the flowers wet!
Feeding: No
information available.
Pruning and wiring: 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.
Repotting:
Grows best in well-drained soil, although tolerant of poor and
alkaline soil. Repot in spring.
Pests and diseases: Problems include cottony cushion scale, mites,
Mimosa webworm.
Diseases Mimosa
(Fusarium) wilt is quite a problem and is fatal. It can spread
to adjacent Mimosa trees by root grafts.
Some species suitable for bonsai:
- Albizia julibrissin: silk tree, mimosa
- this tree grows to 40 feet, and has greenish-gray striped bark.
Its lcompound leaves are huge - 12-18 inches. Although it is
known as a hot weather tree, it actually grows as far north as
Long Island.
- Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea': A smaller
variety, which grows only to 20 ft. and has smaller flowers;
it may therefor be more suitable for bonsai.
Bibliography:
USDA Fact Sheet ST-68
Compiled by members of the Internat Bonsai
Club.
Edited by Thomas L. Zane
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