Mimosa

Plant Type: deciduous tree
Plant Height: 20–30 feet
Spread: 20–30 feet
Flower Color: pink, powder-puff style
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin): Graceful, Fast-Growing Shade Tree

The Mimosa, also known as the Persian Silk Tree, is a fast-growing ornamental tree valued for its airy, fern-like foliage and clusters of pink, powder-puff blooms in summer. Its wide, umbrella-like canopy provides light shade, making it a popular choice for patios, courtyards, and pollinator-friendly gardens.

Key Features of Mimosa

• Showy Summer Blooms: Fluffy pink flower clusters from late spring through summer attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Fern-Like Foliage: Delicate, bipinnate leaves create a soft, tropical appearance.
• Fast Growth: Establishes quickly, reaching 20–30 feet tall and wide in a few years.
• Light Shade: Spreading canopy provides filtered shade without overly dense coverage.

Growing and Care Tips

Mimosa trees are hardy and adapt well to hot climates but need thoughtful placement.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; tolerates sandy or loamy soils.
Water: Moderate during establishment; once mature, water deeply every 2–3 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced tree fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering.
Pruning: Prune in winter to maintain shape and remove crossing branches.

Landscaping Uses

• Shade Tree: Perfect for patios, courtyards, and seating areas.
• Pollinator Gardens: Blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
• Accent Tree: Showy flowers and unique form make it a striking specimen.
• Wildlife Gardens: Provides nectar and light habitat.

Summary

The Mimosa tree is a graceful ornamental that combines fast growth, filtered shade, and beautiful summer blooms. With its tropical look and pollinator appeal, it’s an excellent choice for adding charm and character to Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mimosa Tree

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for strongest flowering and canopy growth.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soils are best.
Spacing: Plant 20–30 feet apart to allow canopy spread.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Young trees may benefit from staking in their first 1–2 years.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 12–18 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Usually after 1 year of consistent watering and visible vigorous growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 2–3 weeks.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 2–3 emitters evenly around the dripline.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature specimens.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during hot, dry periods; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Mimosa:

• Soil Check: Allow top 4–6 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Mimosa tolerates dry intervals better than wet soil.
• Mulch: Use light gravel or bark mulch to help conserve soil moisture while keeping mulch away from trunk base.