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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.

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Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as the Chinese Elm, China Elm, or the Chinese Lacebark Elm Tree, is grown for its stature and colourful foliage. The lush foliage emerges a mid-green colour in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops impressive red tones in autumn before falling. The Chinese Elm typically grows with a broad and rounded habit to about 12 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Ulmus parvifolia is commonly grown as a specimen and makes for a wonderful shade tree. It is also well suited to being used in avenue plantings or to border an entrance.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 12.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Coastal, Japanese, Modern
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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 trees of all sizes. Each roll contains 33 m of tie.

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Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with...

From$192.51
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...

From$344.95
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Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo)

Commonly known as Chinese Tupelo, this is a handsome, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic form and striking autumn colours. Leaves emerge a fresh...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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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$49.61
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
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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...

From$9.28
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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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...

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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...

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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

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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...

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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

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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...

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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...

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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).
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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...

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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
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Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron chinense, commonly known as the Chinese Tulip Tree, is a beautiful ornamental tree perfect for creating a standout feature in large...

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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...

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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...

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Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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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You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka, Rose White Romance, and Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'?
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