Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree

Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in USDA zones 6-10 for heat-loving landscapes.
Features dramatic, fern-like foliage that emerges green and turns a rich chocolate-burgundy.
Produces fragrant, fluffy pink "powder puff" flowers from mid-to-late summer.
Fast-growing habit reaches a mature height and spread of 15-20 feet quickly.

$365⁴⁴

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Plant Size

#5 Container 4-5 Feet

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Full sun is essential for this variety. To maintain that deep, rich burgundy foliage color, the tree needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily; otherwise, the leaves may fade to a muddy green.
Soil: This tree thrives in well drained soil and isn't too picky about pH levels. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound or add organic compost to the backfill to ensure the roots don't sit in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep watering twice a week to help the root system anchor itself. Once established, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa is impressively drought tolerant, though consistent moisture results in more lush foliage and prolific "powder puff" blooms. If the tree goes through a severe dry spell without supplemental water, it may drop leaves early to protect itself from stress.

Pruning Tips

Since this tree blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the new growth starts. You can thin out crossing branches or remove lower limbs to raise the canopy, which allows the tree to focus its energy on a strong central leader and healthy crown. Think of it like a light thinning of the hair to allow better airflow and light penetration throughout the branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as the buds begin to swell. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or early fall, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is particularly susceptible to winter kill, which can damage the overall structure of your tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12	Week of February 23rd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Reinvented Classic Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree

Purplish-Bronze Foliage
Elegant Fountain Form
Pink Puffs of Flowers
Drought Tolerant

This is no ordinary tree. This Mimosa will make your heart flutter and your pulse race. With ravishing colors that seem to capture the sunset all day long and perfect puffs of summer blooms, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate') is ready to turn heads in your yard!

This tree's foliage is the deep purplish-brown color of dark chocolate. Its leaves almost seem to glow violet as they shimmy in the breeze. And this majestic foliage tends to appear a spectrum of colors from one angle to the next. From green to bronze to violet and brown, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa's foliage is striking!

The Summer Chocolate Mimosa will soak your yard in delightful shade with its branches that spread wide and flow downward. This Mimosa offers that laidback tropical form that resembles an umbrella.

This unusual specimen adds a southern and tropical flair to any yard. And with its dark and warm foliage, many compare this tree to the Japanese Maple with a lighter and more carefree attitude.

And like the best Mimosa trees, this one also dances with fairy-like pompoms of pink flowers. You will love these classic pink and white blooms that light up against the deep purple leaves. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds also adore these delicate puffs.

To keep this deciduous wonder happy, give it bright and full sunshine. The Summer Chocolate Mimosa also performs best in medium moisture and well-drained soil. It will grow rapidly in these conditions. This stunning tree is drought tolerant and deer don't like the taste of it.

This show-stopping tree won't grow as large as the green varieties, making it perfect as a specimen in your front or side yard. It will also look spectacular when planted as an accent in your garden.

If you want a prize-winning yard with unbeatable color, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa is a perfect choice. This fountain shaped tree will stun your neighbors and add a world of color to your yard. Order soon, this is a red hot variety and people are searching for it.

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Growing Zones 7-10

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Summer Chocolate Mimosa grow?

This tree is known for a fast growth rate, often putting on several feet of growth per year under ideal conditions until it reaches its mature height of 15-20 feet.

Is the Summer Chocolate Mimosa tree messy?

Like all Mimosa trees, it will drop its seed pods and spent blooms. Many gardeners find the beauty of the chocolate foliage and the shade it provides well worth the minimal seasonal cleanup.

Does the foliage stay purple all year?

The leaves typically emerge with a green tint in early spring and quickly transition to the deep chocolate-burgundy color as they mature and receive more sunlight.

Is this tree drought-tolerant?

Yes, once the root system is established, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa is very resilient and can handle dry spells and high heat with ease.

Can I grow this tree in a container?

While it prefers being in the ground to reach its full potential, it can be grown in large planters on a patio for several years before needing to be transplanted.

Mimosa Chocolate tree

Was pruned a little more open than I expected. Dropped all it's leaves during shipping as to be expected. Now THRIVING here in NorthWest AZ where even in mid October our temps are in the mid 90's. Exceptional quality tree, with exceptional root system, Very well packed. I am very pleased with my purchase. It was a costly little tree but I'm glad I bought it. Planting in the Spring in my area is NOT an option

Dear Marsha,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback on your Mimosa Chocolate tree! We’re delighted to hear it’s thriving in your NorthWest Arizona garden despite the challenges of open pruning and the inevitable leaf drop from shipping. It sounds like the tree arrived in excellent condition and you’re seeing the benefits of a healthy root system — that’s always wonderful to hear! Given the high fall temperatures you’re experiencing, you’re certainly providing a great environment for your tree’s continued growth.

Planting in spring isn’t always possible for everyone, so your choice to plant in fall—even with those sizzling 90-degree days—is very wise. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained as your tree adapts, and consider mulching to protect the roots through any temperature extremes. Should you need any guidance on care throughout the seasons or any additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you again for entrusting Nature Hills with your new tree, and for your kind words highlighting our care in packing and plant quality. Here’s to many flourishing years ahead!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Mimosa Chocolate tree

Hello Marsha,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience with your Mimosa Chocolate tree! We’re delighted to hear it’s thriving in the challenging climate of Northwest Arizona, especially in those warm October temps. It’s great that the tree’s exceptional quality and strong root system met your expectations despite the careful pruning and leaf drop during shipping.

Planting timing is so important, and your decision to plant in early spring due to your area’s conditions is really wise. If you’d like, we can provide additional guidance on preparing your tree for spring planting to help ensure its best growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tips on soil amendments or watering tailored to your region before then!

We’re thrilled to know your purchase has been a positive one, and deeply appreciate your thoughtful feedback that helps us continue to improve.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree