Summer Chocolate Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Summer Chocolate Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’Summer Chocolate Mimosa offers unique color and texture that instantly elevates any outdoor space. Its finely cut, fern-like foliage emerges as a deep burgundy, maturing into a rich chocolate color that creates a stunning backdrop for the hot pink, powder-puff flowers blooming in summer. As the seasons change, the foliage transitions to warm shades of orange and red in fall, adding dynamic, multi-season interest. Reaching around 20 feet tall and spreading up to 15 feet wide at maturity, this small deciduous tree provides graceful structure without overwhelming nearby plantings. The naturally spreading canopy casts dappled shade, perfect for patios, seating areas, or as a striking focal point.
- Distinctive chocolate-colored leaves
- Hot pink blooms appearing in summer
- Orange to red foliage in fall
- Deciduous, moderate growth rate
- Ideal for adding unique color contrast
Hardy in zones 6–9, Summer Chocolate Mimosa performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Its dramatic foliage and seasonal color change make it a standout choice for creative landscape designs.
Summer Chocolate Mimosa is a low-maintenance ornamental tree that thrives with minimal care once established. Here’s all it needs to grow beautifully in Texas landscapes:
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the tree establish a strong root system. Once established, Summer Chocolate Mimosa tolerates dry periods but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended heat or drought.
- Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain the tree’s elegant form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage balanced growth and maintain a healthy canopy.
- Fertilizing: This tree generally grows well without heavy fertilization. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring can support steady seasonal growth if desired.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch slightly away from the trunk to prevent excess moisture around the bark.
- Winter Care: Summer Chocolate Mimosa is adaptable to warm climates and typically requires little winter attention. Maintaining a mulch layer around the root zone helps protect roots during occasional cold spells.
Summer Chocolate Mimosa is generally resilient, though a few minor issues may occasionally appear.
- Leaf Color Fading: The distinctive chocolate-purple foliage may appear slightly greener if the tree experiences stress or irregular watering. Consistent moisture and healthy soil conditions help maintain the richest leaf color.
- Mimosa Wilt: Like other Albizia varieties, it can occasionally be affected by mimosa wilt, which causes branch decline or sudden wilting. Removing affected branches promptly and maintaining overall tree vigor helps slow the spread.
- Webworms: Small silken webs may appear on branch tips where caterpillars feed on foliage. Removing the webs early or pruning affected branch tips helps keep populations under control.
- Flower Drop: Decorative blooms naturally fall after flowering and may collect beneath the tree. Occasional cleanup keeps nearby walkways or patios tidy.
- Rapid Growth Stress: Fast growth can sometimes produce flexible branches that bend during strong winds. Light structural pruning when the tree is young helps develop stronger branching.
Summer Chocolate Mimosa typically lives about 20-30 years. Although it is not considered a long-lived tree, its rapid growth allows it to quickly become an attractive landscape feature.
Summer Chocolate Mimosa grows quickly, often adding 2-3 feet of growth per year. Most trees develop their mature structure within about 6-8 years.
This variety is known for its striking deep burgundy to chocolate-colored foliage. The dramatic leaf color provides strong contrast in the landscape even when the tree is not in bloom.
The rich chocolate coloration is usually strongest during active growth and may vary slightly as temperatures and seasonal conditions change. New growth often emerges, especially dark before gradually softening in tone.
Yes, the soft pink blooms release a light, sweet fragrance that becomes noticeable during peak flowering periods.
Yes, the fern-like leaflets naturally fold in response to darkness or rainfall. This movement is a normal plant response that helps conserve moisture.
The delicate foliage creates a light canopy that allows dappled sunlight to pass through. This produces a soft shade environment beneath the tree.
Yes, its unusual foliage color makes it an excellent focal point in gardens and open planting areas. The dark leaves stand out strongly against lighter plants.
Its airy canopy allows light and airflow to pass through while still providing comfortable shade. This makes it a pleasant tree for open gathering areas.
As the tree matures, its branches spread outward to form a broad, layered canopy. Older specimens often develop a graceful, sculptural form that enhances their ornamental appeal.
Special Features
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Summer Chocolate Mimosa This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ | Lagerstroemia indica '1 Li' |
| Size at Maturity | 20' H x 15' W | 12' H x 8' W |
| Leaf Retention | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Fall Color | Orange & Red | Orange & Red |
| Flower Color | Pink | Pink |
| Bloom Times | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes Available | 15 Gal | 5, 7 gal |
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