Albizia Summer Chocolate
Albizia Summer Chocolate

Albizia Summer Chocolate

£29.99

Out of stock

SKU: albizia-summer-chocolate Categories: ,
Common Name: Silk Tree
Size: 3 Litre
Hardiness: H4
Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees ˚C) are shown in brackets

  • H1a: under glass all year (>15˚C)
  • H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15 ˚C)
  • H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10 ˚C)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5 ˚C)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1 ˚C)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5 ˚C)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10 ˚C)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15 ˚C)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20 ˚C)
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This plant has won a RHS award

3 Litre Pot

  • RHS: Award of Garden Merit
  • Position: Full sun
  • Soil: Well drained
  • Growth Rate: Average
  • Flowering Period: Summer
  • Hardiness: H4
  • Eventual Height: 4 – 8m
  • Eventual Spread: 2.5 – 4m

Albizia Summer Chocolate, also known as ‘Silk Tree’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit is a deciduous tree that is known for its unique chocolate coloured leaves and its ability to provide a lush, tropical feel to any garden.  This tree is native to Asia and Africa and is known for its fast-growing habit and its ability to thrive in a wide range of soils and climates. The leaves are a rich, chocolate brown colour and are large and feathery, providing a lush canopy of shade. The tree’s foliage is especially striking in the summer months, when the leaves are at their fullest and most vibrant.

The tree’s flowers are delicate and pink and appear in the summer, adding to the tree’s overall ornamental appeal. The tree can grow up to 8 metres tall and 4 metres wide, making it a great choice for larger gardens or for use as a specimen tree. It is also suitable for planting in groups to create a natural screen or as a backdrop to a flowerbed.

In addition to its ornamental value, Albizia Summer Chocolate is also known for its ecological value, providing a food source and habitat for wildlife, and helping to improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Caring for your Albizia Summer Chocolate

  • Planting: This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When planting, make sure to choose a location that has these conditions. It is also important to plant the tree at the same depth as it was in the container and to water it well after planting to help establish the roots.
  • Watering: Once established, although it  is drought tolerant, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the tree’s first growing season to help it establish a strong root system. After that, it can tolerate periods of drought.
  • Fertilising: Does not require regular fertilisation, but a slow-release fertiliser can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.
  • Pruning: Does not require regular pruning, but it can be trimmed to shape if needed. It is best to prune the tree during the dormant season, in late winter or early spring.
  • Winter Protection: It is hardy in most UK climates but in areas with severe Winter frost, it may need to be protected with a thick layer of mulch around the trunk to protect it from frost damage.

By following these care tips, your Albizia Summer Chocolate tree should thrive and provide you with a beautiful and unique addition to your garden for years to come