Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin "Rosea") | seeds, 10 pcs.

PARTIALLY HARDY

• Latin name: Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’
• Danish names: Rosa Silketræ, silketræ
• English names: Pink silk tree, Persian silk tree

Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ is a decorative variety of the standard silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), prized for its particularly fine pink to light pink silky flowers and its elegant, light growth habit. Like the common Albizia julibrissin, it has beautiful, bipinnate leaves that give the plant an almost tropical appearance, but ‘Rosea’ often appears somewhat more delicate and romantic in its overall expression.

The tree is deciduous and develops a wide, airy, and slightly pendulous crown. The leaves often fold up in the evening or in cool weather, which gives the plant extra character. During the summer, the characteristic flowers with silk-thread-like stamens are formed, which attract bees and other pollinators and add an exotic touch to the garden or pot.

Compared to the common Albizia julibrissin, ‘Rosea’ is chosen especially for its more pronounced and decorative flower color and its extra light, elegant overall impression.

Cultivation and requirements

Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ thrives best in full sun and prefers:

• well-drained soil
• a sheltered and protected location
• moderate watering, especially while the plant is young

The species is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it does not like heavy and wet winter soil. In Denmark, it can be grown in very sheltered planting sites, especially in mild regions and protected gardens, but young plants are more sensitive to frost than older plants.

Many choose to grow the silk tree as a potted plant for the first few years, so it can be overwintered in a protected area until the plant is larger and more robust.

Cultivation from seed

Seeds of Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ are usually relatively easy to germinate when pre-treated correctly. For best results, we recommend:

• soaking in warm or lukewarm water for 12–24 hours
• sowing in a light and well-drained soil mix
• a temperature of 20–25 °C
• keeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet

Germination often occurs within 1–4 weeks, but can take longer. The young plants usually grow well in warm and bright conditions and develop their fine, bipinnate leaves early on. Young seedlings should be protected from hard frost for the first few years.

Utility and collector value

Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ is primarily grown as an ornamental tree, where it is valued for its light, elegant foliage and beautiful pink flowers. It is a plant that provides an almost Mediterranean and exotic look to both the garden and the pot.

For collectors and plant enthusiasts, ‘Rosea’ is an obvious choice if you want a more flower-focused variety of the silk tree. Growing from seed makes it possible to follow the plant's development right from the start and provides an exciting long-term project.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’ is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow an elegant and exotic ornamental tree entirely from seed – with light foliage, beautiful flowering, and great decorative value.