How to Grow Mimosa Trees in Cold Climates
Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) are cold hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 9. The tree produces fragrant pink pompom blooms that are 2 inches in diameter. Also known as the silk tree, mimosa grows rapidly to a height of 20 to 40 feet. The tree also has a short life span of 10 to 20 years. Mimosa is an easy to grow in clay or loamy soil. Contact local utilities to have them check for underground cables or pipes before digging.
Choose a sunny, well-drained location to plant mimosa. Because mimosa drops seed pods that can grow and become invasive, choose a planting location away from a neighbor’s property line.
- Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) are cold hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 9.
- Because mimosa drops seed pods that can grow and become invasive, choose a planting location away from a neighbor’s property line.
Measure the height and width of the tree container or the rootball wrapped with burlap (B&B). You can use the handle of the shovel as a gauge to get the measurement.
Dig the hole two times as wide as the container or B&B and about 2 inches shallower, so the top of the rootball ends up 2 inches above ground level. If digging in clay soil, push the point of the shovel a few inches into the sides and bottom of the hole about every 6 inches to loosen the soil for easier root penetration.
Remove the mimosa from the container; leave the B&B in its wrap. Place the tree in the center of the hole.
Backfill the hole halfway and water around the rootball to settle the dirt.
- Measure the height and width of the tree container or the rootball wrapped with burlap (B&B).
- Dig the hole two times as wide as the container or B&B and about 2 inches shallower, so the top of the rootball ends up 2 inches above ground level.
Cut the tie on the B&B and pull the burlap down to expose the top half of the rootball. Finish backfilling the hole. Water again, slowly, so the water seeps around the rootball.
Apply mulch if desired. Keep the mulch about 3 inches from the trunk.
Water every 7 to 10 days during the first year if there is no rainfall.
Warning
Mimosa is an invasive tree. In addition, when the blooms fall, they will stick to that surface. Avoid planting the tree near a sidewalk or driveway.
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References
Warnings
- Mimosa is an invasive tree. In addition, when the blooms fall, they will stick to that surface. Avoid planting the tree near a sidewalk or driveway.
Writer Bio
Barbara Raskauskas's favorite pursuits are home improvement, landscape design, organic gardening and blogging. Her Internet writing appears on SASS Magazine, AT&T and various other websites. Raskauskas is active in the small business she and her husband have owned since 2000 and is a former MS Office instructor.
