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Description
Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate, also known as Silk Tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is a hybrid cultivar of Albizia julibrissin and Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’. This tree is known for its attractive foliage and showy flowers that bloom in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Albizia |
Appearance
Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate has a rounded canopy and can grow up to 20-40 feet in height and 20-35 feet in width. The leaves are fern-like, bipinnately compound, and have a chocolate brown color when they first emerge, then turn green as they mature. The flowers are pink, fluffy, and resemble pompoms, blooming in early to mid-summer. The fruit of the tree is a flat, brown pod that contains 6-12 seeds.
Care Guide
Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate requires moderate watering, and the soil should be well-drained. It is recommended to fertilize this tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The tree prefers full sun exposure and is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the tree.
Habitat
Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate is native to Asia and is commonly found in China, Korea, and Iran. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, this tree can grow up to 3-5 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Q: What is the best time to prune Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate?
A: It is recommended to prune this tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate tolerate drought conditions?
A: No, this tree prefers moderate watering and does not tolerate drought conditions well.
Q: How do I propagate Albizia Julibrissin Summer Chocolate?
A: This tree can be propagated through seeds or cuttings in the spring.
Related Plants
- Albizia julibrissin
- Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’
- Albizia coreana
- Albizia chinensis
References
- “Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n270. Accessed 28 June 2021.
- “Albizia julibrissin.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/silk-tree. Accessed 28 June 2021.
- “Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/albizia-julibrissin-summer-chocolate. Accessed 28 June 2021.
