Overview
Silk Tree Bonsai (Albizia julibrissin) is a deciduous tree with fern-like leaves and pink silky summer flowers. It is best suited to delicate tropical-looking bonsai, informal upright and umbrella canopy styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor in mild protected areas, frost-protected in shallow pots.
Placement
full sun and warmth
Watering
water well in active growth, keeping drainage open
Feeding and fertilising
feed during spring and summer
Pruning and wiring
clip back long shoots to encourage branching; wire young shoots
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in spring
Propagation
seed after scarification or cuttings
Pests, diseases and common issues
cold damage, large leaves, weak flowering in cool climates and dieback after hard pruning