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chinese silk tree

Searching for the perfect blend of elegance and resilience for your New Zealand garden? The Chinese silk tree, also known as Albizia julibrissin, is a unique ornamental tree prized for its feathery foliage and show-stopping pink, silk-like blooms. Beloved for its ability to add a luxurious, tropical feel to any landscape, this fast-growing tree thrives in our climate and requires surprisingly little fuss. Whether you're looking to create a shady retreat, attract pollinators, or elevate your curb appeal, the Chinese silk tree deserves a spot on your planting list.

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
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 the seasons change, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning landscape display.

From $404.59

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
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...

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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...

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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
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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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$30.29
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
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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
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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
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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
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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
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
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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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$16.95
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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
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

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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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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...

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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...

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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
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
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
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan) tree growing as a specimen.
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan)

Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese Banyan, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree valued for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, spreading...

OUT OF STOCK
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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
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Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallowood)

Sapium sebiferum, commonly known as Chinese Tallowood or The Popcorn Tree, is grown for its autumn colours and great form. The heart shaped leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search chinese silk tree

A Touch of the Exotic: Chinese Silk Tree Features

The Chinese silk tree is instantly recognisable by its finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of fragrant, pale pink pom-pom flowers that bloom from late spring through mid-summer. The airy crown offers dappled shade—perfect for patios or garden seating areas—while the delicate flowers draw in bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your landscape. With a mature height of 5-8 metres, it's ideal for medium to large garden spaces and adapts well to a variety of soils, provided drainage is reliable.

Planting and Caring for the Chinese Silk Tree

Establishing a thriving Chinese silk tree in New Zealand isn’t difficult, but proper planting and initial care will help ensure rapid growth and luxuriant blooms. Choose a sunny, sheltered position to maximise floral display and protect from strong winter winds. Young trees benefit from regular watering during dry spells, and a Jute Tree Tie can be used to secure the trunk as roots establish, preventing wind damage.

Once established, the Chinese silk tree is drought-tolerant and requires minimal pruning—just remove any dead or crowded branches in winter. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the root zone will lock in moisture and suppress weeds, setting your tree up for robust health.

Great Garden Companions and Alternatives

For those drawn to unique and beautiful trees, the Chinese silk tree pairs wonderfully with a variety of exotic or native options. Consider underplanting with shrubs like Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine), whose evergreen leaves complement the airy canopy above. If you love the look of unusual foliage and delicate blooms, you might also enjoy the creamy sprays of Poliothyrsis sinensis (Chinese Pearlbloom), or the graceful, bottlebrush-forming Populus yunnanensis (Chinese Poplar). For those interested in more traditional or Bonsai-inspired selections, explore the tough yet beautiful Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm), which shares the silk tree’s adaptability and decorative charm.

Why Choose the Chinese Silk Tree?

Few trees offer the same visual impact as the Chinese silk tree. Its fantastic shade, striking summer flowers, and adaptability make it a superb feature for home landscapes, lifestyle blocks, or commercial plantings. With correct planting and a bit of early care, your Chinese silk tree will become a talking point and a haven for garden wildlife season after season. Let your garden benefit from the beauty and charm of this exceptional ornamental tree.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech), Buxus microphylla 'Independence', and Metrosideros 'Vibrance'?
–The Plant Company

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