How to Care for a Mimosa Tree

Overview

Mimosa trees are native to Asia, but they have been in the U.S. since 1745. They are used primarily as ornamental trees because of their large pink flowers and delicate leaves. Mimosa trees grow best in warmer climates and they are only hardy through USDA zones 6 to 9. If you care for a mimosa tree properly you can be rewarded with a 35 foot tree with a 30 foot spread.

Step 1

Plant the mimosa tree in full sun with well-drained soil. Mimosa trees can adapt to any soil type as long as it has good drainage.

Step 2

Water the mimosa tree sparingly. A mimosa tree only needs to be watered during dry spells or if you live in a desert. Under these conditions, water the mimosa tree once every two weeks for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Fertilize the mimosa tree in the early spring while it is still dormant. Add 1 lb. of water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer to the base of the mimosa tree and water over it for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Prune the mimosa tree once a year in the spring. Remove dead, damaged,diseased, or over-reaching branches at the base of the tree. Also remove any suckers at the base of the tree. The branches may be cut back further if you desire. Brush all pruning cuts with pruning seal.

Step 5

Pick up all the mimosa tree's seed pods from your yard. You may keep them and grow more mimosa trees if you wish. If you do not pick up the seed pods the seeds will grow into new trees in your yard.