By Julie Christensen
Mimosa tree , also called Silk Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , are native to Japan and Iran . In the U.S. , they are winter hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9 . Even there , they are usually short - lived , succumbing to branch breaking and disease in 10 to 15 long time .
From April to July , in areas with mild climates , you ’ll see mimosas(Albizia julibrissin)in bloom . The white to pink blossoms have a fresh redolence that appeal bees and their airy , cotton fiber - like form makes them a brilliant tidy sum to behold .
Mimosas are commonly grown along fences or as patio trees . Their lacey , fern - like foliage , fast growth and undecided , umbrella - shaped canopy make them democratic landscaping trees . regrettably , mimosa have a few liabilities that you should eff about before planting them . Mimosas develop flavourless , edible bean - like cod from late summer to fall . These pods , along with the foliage , make quite a moment of lawn litter . The arm and branchlet cave in easily in tempestuous or windy weather . Mimosas have shallow roots that grow within the top 2 feet of the soil . These shallow root make it hard to transplant larger silver wattle . They also sometimes egress above primer coat , where they damage sidewalk and patio .
In plus to a aptness for disease and louse problems , silver wattle are trespassing in moist , humid climate , such as Florida . The flowers be adrift on wind or urine , carrying ejaculate great distances . Because mimosas are so adaptable , they pronto self - sow in the wild , often outcompeting native vegetation . Many communities have placed proscription on planting Modern mimosas because of their potential drop for invasiveness .
Growing Mimosas
Despite their shortcomings , southern nurseryman have it off mimosas . They grow intimately with moist , well - drain , abstemious soil , but they stand both stiff and sand , as well as alkaline and acidulent soils . They do n’t develop well in salty soils , lay down them a marginal plant for coastal field .
To start a mimosa , buy a potted glasshouse flora , if they ’re usable , or start it from seed yourself . Soak the seeds in piddle overnight . engraft them outdoors when daytime temperature are at least 65 degree or sow them indoors in a light potting mix . If starting indoors , plant mimosas in peat pots to avoid root flutter when you transfer them outside . Plant the peat potty directly in the garden .
industrial plant mimosa in a gay position for better anthesis and folio gloss . They tolerate and thrive in hot precondition . Water new planted mimosas ofttimes to keep the soil moist 1 column inch beneath the airfoil . found trees can bear drouth conditions , but they ’ll execute well with reasonably moist soil . inseminate the tree every six workweek during the grow time of year with a ½ cup of 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer .
Mimosas grow 15 to 30 foot grandiloquent and 10 to 15 feet wide . Plant them so air circulates freely . Avoid constitute them near terrace and sidewalk to prevent harm .
Mimosa Pests and Diseases
The major pest of mimosas is the mimosa webworm , the larva of a white or gray moth . Upon emerge from their eggs , the larvae spin a web around the leaves of the tree diagram . They then feed on the leaves , skeletonizing them and causing them to turn browned . In stark infestations , the entire tree can become defoliated by late summertime .
Consider planting a different tree if you live in an area where mimosa webworm are predominant . To control the pests , spray the Tree with Bacillus thuringiensis in saltation when the larvae first appear . Control is more difficult once the larvae spin web .
Mimosa vascular wilt disease is a fateful disease that has destroyed innumerous mimosa tree diagram throughout the southeast . This soilborne disease is sometimes spread through polluted nursery soil . Initial symptoms include chlorosis of the leave . The leaves yellow , while the veins remain green . afterward , the leave commence to sink , branch conk out and the bole oozes a frothy liquid . Once taint , you may slow up the effects of the disease by watering oft and fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer . Avoid in high spirits nitrogen fertilizers .
For more entropy , chitchat the following golf links :
Albizia julibrissin ( Mimosa , Silk Tree)from okay horticulture
albizzia julibrissinfrom the Missouri Botanical Garden
Julie Christensen read about garden on her grandad ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho . Today , she lives and garden on the gamy plains of Colorado . When she ’s not cut into in the dirt , Julie writes about food for thought , education , parenting and gardening .
