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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

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.

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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.

Growing Zones 7-10

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Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does it grow?
  • The Summer Chocolate Mimosa grows rapidly when given full sun and well-draining soil with medium moisture. This variety stays more compact than standard green mimosas, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Provide consistent water during establishment for best growth rates.

What planting zones is the Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree hardy in?
  • The Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. This heat-loving tree thrives in warmer climates and may struggle in areas with harsh winters below zone 6. Check your specific zone before ordering at naturehills.com.

How tall and wide does a Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree get when fully mature?
  • The Summer Chocolate Mimosa grows smaller than standard green varieties, typically reaching 15-20 feet tall with a similar spread. Its umbrella-like canopy creates excellent shade coverage with gracefully drooping branches. Plan for adequate spacing as a specimen tree in front or side yards where its compact size won't overwhelm the landscape.

What type of soil does the Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree need to thrive?
  • The Summer Chocolate Mimosa thrives in well-drained soil with medium moisture levels. It adapts to various soil types but performs best when drainage is adequate to prevent root rot. Plant in full sun and ensure water drains away from the root zone for optimal growth.

How often should I water my newly planted Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree?
  • Water newly planted Summer Chocolate Mimosas deeply twice weekly for the first month, then weekly until established. This drought-tolerant tree prefers medium moisture in well-drained soil. Reduce watering once roots are established, available at naturehills.com.

Are Summer Chocolate Mimosa Trees deer resistant?
  • Yes, Summer Chocolate Mimosa Trees are deer resistant because deer don't like the taste of their foliage. This natural deer resistance makes them an excellent choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem. Plant them confidently in open areas of your landscape without worrying about deer damage.

How much fertilizer does a Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree need each year?
  • Summer Chocolate Mimosa trees need minimal fertilization due to their naturally vigorous growth rate. A single application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is typically sufficient for established trees. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can reduce flowering and make the tree more susceptible to wind damage.

Will the Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree survive winter temperatures in zone 6?
  • The Summer Chocolate Mimosa Tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, so it will survive zone 6 winters. This variety is more cold-tolerant than standard mimosas. Plant in a protected location away from harsh winter winds for best results.
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