How to Plant a Mimosa Tree

The mimosa tree, a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet, is sometimes called a silk tree because of its ornamental pom-pom-like flowers. Mimosas can grow as much as 2 to 5 feet in just one year. These fast-growing trees also have roots that snake out quite far, so it's important to plant them far enough from your house so the roots cannot damage the plumbing system. Mimosa trees prefer warmer climates and can tolerate drought-like conditions. They do not do well in extremely cold climates.

Things You'll Need

• Mimosa tree, approximately 3 to 7 feet tall
• Potting soil with a pH of 4.6 to 5
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Plant your tree after there is no longer any danger of frost. Choose a location about 25 feet from your house that gets full sun, though light shade there in the afternoon is OK.

2. Dig a hole about two times the depth of the root ball and twice as wide as the roots when fanned out. Mix in a highly acidic soil with a pH of 4.6 to 5.

3. Set the tree in the hole, and fan out the roots. The top of where the roots form the tree trunk should sit about 1 inch above the ground. If the tree sits too low or too high, adjust the size of the hole by either adding more soil or digging the hole deeper. Make sure the tree is standing straight.

4. Fill in the hole with the soil. When the hole is about three-fourths full, water thoroughly. Fill in the rest of the hole, and mound up the soil around the base of the tree. Pack down the soil with the shovel.

5. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a mulch covering to help keep moisture in. Water daily to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering and allowing water to pool. Flowers should appear from May through July.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent mimosa wilt, the most common disease in these trees, by using a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall. Signs of mimosa wilt are yellowing and wilting leaves. Almost all trees that develop mimosa wilt will die within the first year.

• Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers.