Calling All Albizia Lovers!

Hi all- I am a newbie and usually haunt the Morning Glory and Rose forum, but I would greatly appreciate some advice. I adore Albizias and although they do grow here, from what I've read on DG they don't just sprout up like weeds here in my zone and do need a bit of TLC to get them established.

I purchased a sapling and I haven't planted it yet. Some of the leaves are starting to turn yellow. Am I watering it too much? Not enough? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as this is my very first that I will have ever planted, and I chose a fussy one at that.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hi croclover,

You may want to move it to a semi-shaded location instead. They tend to do better. When you plant it out chose a sunnier location. I've also found that the leaflet die-back you showed may be a sign of root damage or possibly squirrel damage on the stem.

Thanks Growin-

Well, we don't have a squirrel problem here so it could be root damage then. Any ideas on what I can do to help the situation?

And so you suggest that I move the tree to a shadier location just until I plant it? OK I will do that right now.

Yes, the shadier location will help it along. How is the soil and has it had any fertilizer? Check the stem - the tip looks like a bit of die-back. I'd just give it a bit of time to recover in the new location. Allow it to sorta dry out between waterings but not bone-dry. That leaflet drying is reminds me of the liners I just planted up that were completely dried out so make sure you soak it well when you do water.

OK,
I moved it to a patio that is mostly covered and just lets in a few rays of sunlight. I am planning to plant it in about two weeks. I'll give it some food too.

Hi Growin!

I just wanted to say thank you for the advice regarding my baby Albizia. Since I moved him to the shade, he's looking much happier and healthier and I am spacing the waterings out more and doing a more thorough soaking when I do.

Thanks again, your help is much appreciated!

Lisa

Hi croclover,

My pleasure to help you out. Have you thought of leaving it on the patio. They are one of nicer trees for a patio.

I'm not sure if you're aware but there is also a Chocolate Albizia with brownish leaves and pink blooms. I believe Monrovia distributes it.

Mike

I have the chocolate one...I believe it's actually Hines not Monrovia. It's called 'Summer Chocolate'. Mine is too small to bloom yet, but I saw one in bloom at a garden center near me and it was gorgeous!

Growin,

Do you mean purchasing a nice large decorative pot and keeping it just potted? I had no idea they could thrive like that.

I also was not aware of a chocolate albizia- I shall have to check that out.

Here's the PF pic of it:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/56536/index.html

I've seen it at a number of nurseries around here so I'm sure ones by you will have it too, if not I'm sure they could easily order it for you.

yes, an Albizia as a porch tree is mentioned in the Western Garden Book. Gives dapled shade, takes pot culture and is relatively easy to care for. My neighbours have one and other than the squirrels chewing the bottom of the trunk, it has come back and looks good. Choose a large enough pot if you decide to go that way.

The 'Summer Chocolate' that ecrane3 has looks like a handsome small tree and I'm looking forward to getting one someday.

I just might do that and choose a different tree for my front yard then.