Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’

This beautiful little tree in the centre of the Marnock Garden (Area K on the downloadable map) can be admired from all around. It has responded to this summer’s heat with a lovely display of upright fluffy pink flowers over the spreading canopy. These trees can spread more than twice as wide as their height.

Perhaps because of its delicate appearance with its finely textured ferny leaves, the Albizia was once thought to be tender. This cultivar may be even hardier than the species. The deciduous leaves do not appear until late spring; they are sensitive and fold up when touched and when it gets dark.

Albizia is native from Iran to Japan and was brought to Europe and the US by Filippo Albizzi around 1745. The species name, julibrissin, is Persian for silk flower.

Although special here, it is invasive in parts of the US.