Albizia julibrissin, total 80-90 cm

Albizia julibrissin or Persian silk tree or silk tree as it is also called, belongs to the subfamily Mimosaceae, which also includes the Mimosa or Acacia. The Albizia julibrissin grows as a shrub or tree.

When the tree is in bloom from the end of June to October, many people will be amazed by the beautiful bright pink/purple inflorescence. Albizias bloom from their second or third year and the bloom becomes increasingly lush as the Albizia gets older. The Albizia julibrissin gives an extra tropical accent to your garden and is beautiful to look at, if only because of the special leaves on this tree. The Albizia julibrissin has double-pinnate, sickle-shaped leaves that are somewhat reminiscent of a fern leaf. 
The leaves are folded closed at night, which is why it is also called the silk tree. Half an hour before the sun sets, the leaves slowly fold closed. The silk tree (also called that because of the silky soft fine flowers) feels at home in a sheltered warm place in full sun and is very winter hardy.

The more sun in the summer, the more it blooms and the stronger the new shoots will become. The Persian silk tree also does well in a place with half shade. The Albizia julibrissin does not make many demands on the soil as long as it is not too acidic and the soil is well drained. Never use (fertilized) garden soil if you want to enrich the planting hole in the open ground. In that case, use good quality potting soil. Pruning is only necessary when the plant is too big. It is better to let the plant grow. When pruning, it is best for the plant to do this in the spring. However, if you prune in March, the chance of flowers is much smaller. Pruning in the autumn solves this problem but can have consequences for the plant; if it does not grow again before winter, the branch will probably die. 

Plants lose all their leaves in the winter, young plants do not have side branches when delivered after the winter, they will appear again in the course of spring. Protect young plants against frost until the trunk has a diameter of 2 cm or more, after which winter protection is no longer necessary. When planting these young plants always ensure good drainage. The plant does not like wet feet when it is newly planted. Always ensure that the bottom of the trunk is above ground. Winter hardiness zone 6a (-20ºC).