When to Plant Mimosa Trees?
The mimosa tree, or silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), is a blooming tree native to Asia and introduced into the United States in the 1700s. It is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. The mimosa tree is most often used where a smaller tree is desired, such as a small yard or under utility lines. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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The deciduous mimosa tree is a legume that grows to 40 feet under optimal conditions. It has a broad spreading habit with a smooth trunk. The leaves are fern-like and create dappled shade. The outstanding feature is the puffy pink or red blooms that cover the tree in the summer. The flowers are followed by hundreds of 6- to 8-inch-long flat seed pods. Each pod contains 10 or more smooth brown seeds.
Planting Tips
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Plant a mimosa tree in fall or early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Choose a container grown mimosa tree that is one year old and 18 to 24 inches in height. Mimosa trees have two or three main roots that quickly become root bound and encircle the root system of older container-grown trees. Smaller trees adapt faster to new growing conditions and have a more vigorous root system.
Locate the mimosa tree where it is exposed to at least six hours of full sunlight each day. Mimosa trees cannot tolerate shade. They adapt to many soil types, including damp locations. Although drought tolerant, mimosa trees benefit from supplemental moisture during extremely dry conditions. Plant at least 25 feet away from cement-covered driveways and foundations.
Plant the mimosa tree at the same level it is planted in the container. Spread mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture. Leave a 6-inch space between the mulch and the tree so fungal and mildew disease cannot spread from the rotting mulch to the tree.
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Mimosa Tree Care
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Mimosa trees have a naturally attractive spreading shape. Prune only as necessary to obtain access under the canopy by removing lower limbs. Mimosa trees do not need fertilizer once they are actively growing because they are from the legume family. Plants from the legume family use organisms in the soil to assist them in creating their own nitrogen for growth. Water deeply during the first year to keep the soil moist, but not wet. After the first growing season, apply water by deeply soaking the area under the drip line, or outermost limbs, during unusually dry weather.
Problems
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Mimosa trees have two or three aggressive roots that are capable of lifting sidewalks or driveways. The most common pest problem is the web worm which creates dense unattractive webs in the foliage during the summer. Mimosa (vascular) wilt is the most common disease that affects mimosa trees. Mimosa trees are short-lived to 20 years. The dried seed pods, flowers and brittle wood can litter the landscape.
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