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chinese silk floss tree

The magnificent Chinese silk floss tree is a remarkable choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking an exotic, eye-catching specimen. Known for its dramatic trunk and stunning late-season blooms, the Chinese silk floss tree brings an unmistakable flair to landscapes both large and small. Originating in subtropical regions, this tree thrives in well-drained soil and is well suited to sheltered positions in warmer parts of New Zealand, rewarding gardeners with a spectacular display of colour and fascinating textures.

A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.

Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is mid-green, and the sensitive leaflets close up at night or when touched. The foliage is adorned with fluffy, rose-red flowers from summer through autumn, as it reaches 6 m in height and 4 m in width.

From $344.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
cloth-tree-tie-

Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll contains 25 m of cloth tie.

From $9.28

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As...

From$404.59
callistemon-candy-floss--4
Callistemon 'Candy Floss' (Pink Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Candy Floss' is a delightful evergreen shrub admired for its soft pink bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The...

From$27.53
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
camellia-sasanqua-pure-silk-2
Camellia 'Pure Silk'

Camellia 'Pure Silk' is an elegant evergreen shrub known for its pristine white blooms that bring a clean and refined look to New Zealand gardens...

From$27.95
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$24.15
ulmus-parvifolia-1
Ulmus parvifolia

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is a graceful deciduous to semi evergreen tree admired for its elegant spreading canopy, small glossy green leaves...

From$192.51
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$425.89
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$323.65
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
aloe-barberae-
Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

Commonly known as Tree Aloe, this is a large variety of Aloe that can reach 15 m tall and 3 m wide. This impressive tree forms a rounded crown of...

From$57.89
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
photinia-serratifolia-
Photinia serratifolia (Chinese Photinia)

Photinia serratifolia is a small, evergreen tree that is grown for its lush and glossy foliage. New growth is red and ages to become mid-dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
poliothyrsis-sinensis-1
Poliothyrsis sinensis (Chinese Pearlbloom)

Commonly known as the Chinese Pearlbloom, this is an attractive tree with fabulous flowers. Large and showy clusters of fragrant, white flowers are...

OUT OF STOCK
liriodendron-chinense-
Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron chinense, commonly known as the Chinese Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree valued for its distinctive lobed leaves, upright...

OUT OF STOCK
Liquidambar acalycina autumn foliage.
Liquidambar acalycina (Chinese Sweet Gum)

Liquidambar acalycina is grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge burgundy red in...

OUT OF STOCK
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Callistemon, and Camellia, or related Categories - Tree ties, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search chinese silk floss tree

Features and Appeal of the Chinese Silk Floss Tree

The Chinese silk floss tree stands out with its thick, bottle-shaped trunk, which is often armoured with distinctive thorns. As it matures, the tree produces large, hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink or creamy white, creating a striking contrast against the deep green foliage. In late autumn, the tree develops large, pod-like fruits that split open to reveal silky, cotton-like fibres. This ornamental quality not only adds interest throughout the year but also makes the Chinese silk floss tree a talking point in any garden.

Growing the Chinese Silk Floss Tree in New Zealand

Successfully growing the Chinese silk floss tree requires careful site selection. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with excellent drainage—these trees prefer not to sit in wet soil, especially through winter. Once established, they become surprisingly drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather. Younger trees benefit from protection against strong winds and staking with supportive materials such as Cloth Tree Tie to ensure straight, healthy growth.

For those with an interest in rare and unusual trees, the Chinese silk floss tree makes an excellent addition alongside other exotics. You might consider pairing it with Poliothyrsis sinensis (Chinese Pearlbloom) for a stunning seasonal display, or the elegant Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree), which also boasts impressive foliage and architectural form.

Companion Trees and Silk-Inspired Beauties

Gardeners who are captivated by the Chinese silk floss tree often explore other unusual or silk-themed trees. The airy, vibrant flowers of Albizia 'Red Silk' and Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' offer unique alternatives. Both thrive in similar conditions, with fine, feathery foliage and impressive summer blooms perfect for enlivening borders or establishing a sub-tropical planting scheme.

Landscaping Uses and Care

The Chinese silk floss tree is ideal as a lawn specimen, centrepiece, or even as a statement in larger urban gardens. Its unique trunk and striking flowers attract attention throughout the seasons. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to shape young trees and remove old branches. Mulch annually and feed in spring to encourage vigorous flowering and healthy growth. Protective measures, like a sturdy Cloth Tree Tie, are advised in the early years.

Whether you're drawn to its dramatic silhouette, spectacular blossoms, or simply seeking something truly different, the Chinese silk floss tree adds lasting value and a touch of exotic wonder to Kiwi gardens.

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Our most famous blooms include Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac', but some of our best-kept secrets are Arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay' (Rengarenga Lily), Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag), and Prunus mume The Geisha — underrated beauties ready to shine.
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