Purple-leaf Mimosa Tree 'Summer Chocolate' (Albizia julibrissin)

Purple-leaf Mimosa Tree 'Summer Chocolate'
Albizia julibrissin

new leaves are greenish and turning to a dark maroon when mature. Southern California summer

I have never seen one before! That is awesome- are requirements same as more common mimosa? Thanks for the photo.

April

Where can we get one? My grandma has one big common mimosa and seedlings from it this year. We are going to plant a seedling here later on in the year. I would like to have this one too.

That's a cool plant. I have to admit though, when I first looked at the photo my heart skipped a beat. It's almost scary looking. LOL

As far as I can tell, it's requirements are the same... but I just got this tree a week ago at a local nursery. Get back to me in a few years and I will let you know if, for California, it's the same as the 'regular' variety. I have never seen one growing out here, but that doesn't mean they can't. The normal form is all over the place and does well (though it's not invasive in this climate like it is on the east coast).

This message was edited Jul 1, 2006 12:44 PM

I want ONE!!!

I am hoping there is somewhere to buy it near San Jose,Ca.I need to buy something other than salvias for a change.
Angela

Navelet's in Fremont had them last time I was there about a month ago. I do believe Summer Winds has them now as well, if I remember right, you could try calling them to see. I have seen them a few times now in various nurseries. Kell got hers at the Oakland Longs. Reading the description now has convinced me that I NEED one too, they don't seem to get as big as the green ones we see everywhere.

Gonna have to ask around here and see if they carry it. Want it really bad!!

Pepper you should slow down- it sounds like you really need a fix! LOL. Kidding. Will you have to bring it in for winter in your zone?

Nope! We grow it like you do all trees. Plant it, fertilize, water regularly for the first year, and watch it grow. My grandma has one that is at least 10 years old that she planted in the ground and it has been there ever since growing like crazy. It is almost as tall as her house now! She also has several seedilings growing all over the place. We are getting one to plant here as soon as we cut down some trees that are dying. Apple, pear, and maple tree all coming down.

Wow I am amazed that it does so well in zone 5b! I had heard that in my area, where we get the occassional freeze that it might not be hardy, clearly that is not true. I have 2 not purple leaf variety.
Thanks for the info!

PB,

Do you think it would be deciduous here in FL?

Hap

I don't know how this tree works... it's deciduous in even the very warmest climates here in So Cal, but can't say for a more tropical climate. By the way, I am still seeing this tree for sale here in So Cal - get them while you can!

It sounds beautiful, but I don't want it if it drops leaves and looks dead. I had enough of that when in I lived in Rochester, NY LOL

And that's one reason I moved to FL.

Thanks for the info.

Hap