Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

persian silk tree

The Persian silk tree, also known as Albizia julibrissin, is a stunning deciduous tree prized for its airy, fern-like foliage and delicate, powder-puff flowers. Originating from Asia, it has become a favourite among New Zealand gardeners thanks to its fast growth, elegant structure, and ability to create a lush, tropical feel in a variety of landscapes. The Persian silk tree is especially admired for its distinctive pink blooms, which appear in mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and garden admirers alike.

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 fragrant, lilac-coloured spring flowers. Reaching 6–12 metres tall, it produces clusters of yellow berries in autumn and provides excellent summer shade. Hardy and tolerant of dry conditions, it grows well in most parts of New Zealand. Ideal for larger gardens, parks, or shelterbelts, this ornamental tree adds seasonal interest and structure to any landscape.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.

Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light green in spring, darkens during summer, then turns a myriad of brilliant orange and purple colours in autumn before falling. The Persian Ironwood grows as a broadly spreading tree, reaching approximately 8 m in height and 6 m in width. Parrotia persica is often grown in medium to extensive gardens either as a specimen or included in a mixed planting. It is also well-suited to avenue planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
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$299.92
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$306.09
robinia-lace-lady-

Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady, commonly known as the False Acacia tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its lace-like foliage and pendulous form. The showy foliage...

From$299.92
jute-tree-tie-1

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$53.65
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$306.09
'Bearss' Lime green fruit.

Lime Bearss

The 'Bearss' Lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime, is a vigorous, nearly thornless citrus tree that thrives in New Zealand’s warmer regions...

From$299.92
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
camellia-sasanqua-pure-silk-2

Camellia Pure Silk

Camellia Pure Silk produces fragrant and showy, white blooms that are edged with soft pink. These spectacular flowers are borne through autumn and...

From$33.68
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$26.93
ulmus-carpinifolia-variegata-4

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

From$432.79
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...

From$43.13
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
sorbus-scarlet-king-

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...

From$343.89
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
ulmus-lobel-

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...

From$343.89
fraxinus-excelsior-3

Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

From$299.92
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...

From$7.80
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
acer-princeton-gold-

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...

From$391.14
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$432.79
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

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...

From$299.92
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-

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$12.50
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$97.13
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
magnolia-margaret-helen-

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...

From$343.89
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1

Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Albizia, Camellia, Cassia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Lagunaria, Lime, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Parrotia, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Tabebuia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Lime Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search persian silk tree

Features and Benefits of the Persian Silk Tree

The Persian silk tree stands out for its unique features. Reaching up to 5–7 metres in New Zealand conditions, it forms a spreading canopy that provides dappled shade—perfect for relaxing under on sunny days. Its finely divided leaves give a soft, almost feathery appearance, and at dusk, the leaves gently fold, adding a touch of movement and intrigue to the garden.

This tree thrives in well-draining soils and full sun, making it versatile for many Kiwi gardens. It's relatively drought-tolerant once established, so it's a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Whether you’re looking to create an inviting feature tree, provide filtered shade, or attract pollinators, the Persian silk tree delivers both visual appeal and practical benefits.

How to Grow Persian Silk Tree in New Zealand

Successfully growing a Persian silk tree starts with choosing the right spot. Select an area with plenty of sunlight and sufficient space to allow for its spreading branches. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil, and water deeply during the first year to help roots establish. Once mature, your tree will cope well with dry periods and can shake off the occasional light frost, though it prefers frost-free locations.

Pruning is generally only needed to remove dead or crossing branches and to sculpt the canopy. In spring, a layer of mulch around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping your tree looking and performing its best.

Pairings and Companion Trees

Enhance your landscape design by pairing the Persian silk tree with other ornamental trees that offer seasonal interest or contrasting form. Consider the exquisite Parrotia persica for stunning autumn foliage or the distinctive Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood) for graceful, weeping structure.

If you enjoy intriguing flowers, Albizia 'Red Silk' delivers a bolder take on the classic silk tree with striking crimson blooms. For a productive addition, the Morus nigra (Persian Mulberry) offers delicious fruit and handsome leaves, while Melia azedarach (Bead Tree) provides clusters of lilac-scented flowers followed by ornamental bead-like fruit.

Is the Persian Silk Tree Right for Your Garden?

If you’re searching for a tree that brings a touch of the exotic, flowers through summer, and provides beautiful foliage all season, the Persian silk tree makes a rewarding choice for New Zealand gardens. With its graceful habit, low-maintenance needs, and ability to harmonize with a range of companion plants, this eye-catching tree offers a stunning focal point for both urban and rural properties. Explore your options and let the Persian silk tree transform your outdoor space.


Contact us

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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews