Albizia julibrissen 'Ombrella' 12Ltr pot

Albizia julibrissin 'Ombrella' (syn. 'Boubri') — 12Ltr Pot

An exotic-looking addition to the garden, Albizia julibrissin 'Ombrella' — the silk tree — brings a touch of the sub-tropics without needing sub-tropical conditions. Rich green, ferny mimosa-like leaves made up of many fine leaflets give the tree a light, feathery texture, and clusters of fluffy, fragrant cherry-pink flowers with long silky stamens open across the top of the crown in summer, followed by long, pale brown pods that can persist into winter. It's an RHS Award of Garden Merit holder, and flowers profusely even while still young.

Compact and umbrella-shaped, 'Ombrella' is a small deciduous tree or tall shrub with a broad, spreading crown, making it a striking focal point for smaller gardens, courtyards or Mediterranean-style planting schemes where its exotic flowers and foliage can really stand out.

Grow in full sun, in any well-drained soil — this variety tolerates sand, loam and chalk. Give it a sheltered, south- or west-facing spot, ideally against a warm wall, as it's less hardy than many garden trees (RHS H4) and appreciates protection from cold winds and frost, particularly while young. Once established it needs only minimal pruning. As with other Albizia, the seeds are best kept away from children and pets.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch, supplied in a 12-litre pot ready for planting straight into its final position.