Chocolate silk tree

Tree

Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’

Chocolate silk tree

An airy small tree with finely divided burgundy foliage and pink powder-puff flowers.

  • Full sun
  • 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
  • 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
  • H4 · Zone 7
  • July–August
  • Deciduous
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Overview

This deciduous silk tree develops a spreading crown of feathery leaves that darken from bronze to chocolate-purple. Pink flower heads appear in warm summers. A sunny, sheltered position helps ripen the wood and limits damage from late frost and cold winds.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Spread 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
Hardiness H4 · Zone 7
Flowers July–August
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Spreading
Water Moderate
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -10°C (14°F)
pH Range 6–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Chocolate silk tree
Persistence Deciduous
Colour Purple, Bronze, Green
Leaf shape / texture bipinnate
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: May–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering Jul Aug
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Mar Apr Jul Aug

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Mulch the root area without covering the trunk
  • May Remove dead or damaged wood after frost risk passes
  • Jun Water deeply while establishing and during drought
  • Jul Check for aphids and unexplained wilting
  • Oct Collect fallen pods where animals have access
  • Nov Check ties on recently planted trees

Garden Design

Works well in: Mediterranean, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic

Allow room for a broad canopy. Dark foliage contrasts with lime-green leaves; avoid frost pockets and exposed courtyards.

Companion planting: Golden foliage shrubs, Ornamental grasses, Low perennials

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Shelter
  • Food source
  • Food

Safety

  • Toxic to dogs
  • Toxic to horses

Seeds and pods can poison dogs and grazing animals. Do not eat any part; collect fallen pods where pets have access.