Chocolate Mimosa: A Unique and Easy-to-Grow Tree
What is a Chocolate Mimosa?
The chocolate mimosa (Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’) is a beautiful and unique variety of mimosa tree. It has striking reddish-bronze or chocolaty brown leaves that change from green in the summer. This gives it a tropical or Asian flair that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
Growing Chocolate Mimosas
Chocolate mimosa trees are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil. They are also tolerant of alkaline and salty soil. Water them regularly until their roots are established, then they become very drought tolerant. Fertilize them annually in spring with a complete and balanced fertilizer.
Care of Chocolate Mimosas
Chocolate mimosa trees are generally low-maintenance. They rarely need pruning, but you can remove the seed pods if desired. These pods are about 6 inches long and resemble beans. They mature in late summer or early fall.
Benefits of Chocolate Mimosas
- Unique foliage: The chocolaty brown leaves of the chocolate mimosa are a striking feature that sets it apart from other trees.
- Heat and drought tolerance: Chocolate mimosa trees are very tolerant of heat and drought, making them a good choice for areas with harsh summers.
- Wildlife attractant: The showy pink flowers of the chocolate mimosa attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Non-invasive: Unlike the invasive species tree, the ‘Summer Chocolate’ variety of chocolate mimosa is not invasive. It produces far fewer seeds, making it a safer choice for planting in many areas.
Things to Consider
- Growth habit: Chocolate mimosa trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, so be sure to give them enough space in your garden.
- Seed pods: The seed pods of the chocolate mimosa tree can be messy, so you may want to remove them as part of your care routine.
- Availability: Chocolate mimosa trees are protected by a patent, so you should not try to propagate them.
Is Chocolate Mimosa Right for You?
If you are looking for a unique and easy-to-grow tree that will add a touch of elegance to your garden, the chocolate mimosa is a great choice. It is heat and drought tolerant, attracts wildlife, and is non-invasive. Just be sure to give it enough space to grow and remove the seed pods if desired.