Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’, also known as the Chocolate Silk Tree or Mimosa, is a stunning deciduous tree from Asia, particularly Iran to Japan. It’s prized for its unique, fern-like foliage that emerges green and matures to a rich chocolate-purple. In summer, it produces fluffy, pink, sweetly scented flowers that attract pollinators and contrast beautifully with its dark leaves, giving it an exotic, tropical appearance suitable for warm, sunny landscapes.
| KEY PLANT INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Plant Type: | Tree |
| Plant Colours: | Green / Yellow / Orange |
| Flowering period: | Summer / Autumn |
| Mature Height: | 5–7 meters tall (16–23 feet) |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun – partial shade |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate |
| Cold Hardiness: | -10°C (14°F) |
| Difficult: | Easy |
Plant Type
Tree
‘Summer Chocolate’ is an ornamental deciduous tree belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It’s valued for both its foliage color and its airy, umbrella-like canopy. The plant has a graceful, spreading form with delicate compound leaves that close at night. Its combination of fine texture, deep colour, and striking flowers makes it a standout specimen tree for gardens, courtyards, and patios, adding both shade and visual drama through the warm months.
Mature Height
5–7 meters tall (16–23 feet)
Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ typically grows 5–7 meters tall (about 500–700 cm), or roughly 16–23 feet. It has a broad, horizontal spread that can equal its height, creating an elegant, airy canopy. The tree’s moderate growth rate allows it to establish quickly while remaining manageable, making it ideal for medium-sized landscapes.
Light Requirements
Full sun – partial shade
This tree thrives best in full sun, where it develops its deepest purple leaf coloration and the most abundant blooms. While it tolerates partial shade, reduced light can cause the foliage to revert toward green and limit flowering. Choose a warm, open position with plenty of sunlight for optimal colour and form.
Water Requirements
Moderate
Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Water young trees regularly during their first few growing seasons to encourage deep rooting. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as the species dislikes heavy, saturated soils. Mulching helps retain moisture and protect roots in hot, dry climates.
Cold Hardiness
-10°C (14°F)
This cultivar is hardy to around -10°C (14°F) and grows best in USDA Zones 6–9. It can tolerate light frost but may suffer dieback in severe winters, particularly in exposed locations. In colder regions, planting in a sheltered microclimate—such as near a wall—helps protect it from cold winds and frost damage.
Propagation tips
Propagation of ‘Summer Chocolate’ is typically done by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or through seed, though seedlings may not retain the dark foliage color. Grafting onto Albizia julibrissin rootstock ensures true-to-type plants. Maintain humidity and gentle bottom heat for successful rooting, and plant young trees out once frost risk has passed.
