Abizia julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin
A small tree rarely taller than 6m but often as wide spreading as 8m, growing here in the London Tropical Style Small Garden where it flowers reliably every summer. It has many visual similarities with Acacias and is sometimes known by their common name 'Mimosa'. This is a good example of why we use Latin names however - so many different plants are called mimosa, in floristry and garden centres and by the public in general to describe plants growing in their surroundings. Albizia is commonly planted in urban locations throughout the Mediterranean and Near East from where it originates, growing in rough ground and poor soil. In some mediterranean climates it has become an invasive pest, self seeding freely and growing vigourously. The colour of Albizia flowers are extremely variable and some selections called 'Rosea' may be cream with the slightest hint of pale pink. The flowers in this photo are on an imported plant from Italy with the name 'Rosso'. 
   

Left - this plant is a good illustration of A. julibrissin's habit, growing here in Sebastapol in Slovakia. In the UK it will grow vigourously as a young plant making lots of vertical growth on thin stems and branches during which time it may need a little support, especially if it is shaded from one particular direction. Albizias are sun lovers and will produce a thinner crown of leaves and fewer flowers in semi shade and not thrive at all where there is little sun. This tree has the flower colour usually known as Ablizia julibrissin 'Rosea'
Right above and below - the darker flower form of 'Rosso'. Here you can see some tightly closed flower buds also and how they form in clusters at the ends of branches. The extended and brightly coloured stamens are short lived and delicate, lasting only a few days and being easily ruined in heavy rain. 

The delicate leaflets are fully opened out in this photo held horizontanly to their leaf stem. In the top photo you can see that they are slightly lifted and 'closed up' in their ranks. This is something the tree does every night or in cold weather which has earned it the common name 'Sleeping Tree'.