How to Grow Mimosa Trees in Cold Climates
Sometimes called a silk tree, the mimosa tree is attractive with its fern-like leaves and bright flowers that resemble pom-poms. The flowers tend to be pink or red. Silk trees develop many seed pods, which scatter and develop into young trees. The best way to keep your mimosa tree alive in cold climates is to grow it in a container and move it inside during the winter. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mimosa sapling
- Water
- Potting soil
- Shovel
- Tree wrap
- Christmas lights
- Space heater
Instructions
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1
Determine where to plant your new tree and dig a hole twice as wide as the plastic container holding your mimosa sapling. Mimosa trees can grow well in partial or full sun. Remove rocks or debris from the site before planting the tree.
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2
Take your mimosa sapling out of the plastic container and gently massage the root ball to break it up. Plant the mimosa tree in the hole and fill in the area around the roots with potting soil. Fill the rest of the hole loosely with soil.
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3
Water the tree thoroughly. Water the tree as needed when the soil by the base of the tree dries out.
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4
Prepare the tree for winter by wrapping the trunk of the tree in tree wrap, a breathable plastic that insulates the mimosa tree during cold fronts. Begin at the ground and work your way up until you hit the first branches, wrapping the tree's trunk as you would wrap a tennis racket or bicycle handlebars. Do not leave any gaps.
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5
String Christmas lights through the branches of the mimosa tree. Turn the lights on during cold nights to add extra warmth. This will help keep your mimosa tree healthy.
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6
Remove the Christmas lights and the tree wrap after frost danger has passed. Once the new season's buds emerge, you can prune back any branches that seem frost damaged.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring out a space heater on very cold nights. Turn the heater on low to protect your tree and unplug it during the day.
Plant your mimosa tree in a container and bring the container into your house or garage for the entire winter to avoid having to use tree wrap or Christmas lights.
The mimosa tree is classified as an invasive tree along the Eastern seaboard as far north as Massachusetts. If you live in an area where mimosa trees are classified as invasive, don't grow them.
