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silk tassel tree

The silk tassel tree is a striking addition to New Zealand gardens, blending elegance with robust performance. Featuring long, silvery catkins in winter, this evergreen shrub or small tree is celebrated as much for its refined appearance as for its resilience. Silk tassel trees are perfect for sheltered spots in coastal or urban gardens and are especially popular for their dramatic foliage and decorative winter tassels. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the silk tassel tree offers year-round structure and interest, attracting attention when most plants are dormant.

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 fragrant soft pink silk flowers in summer. This elegant tree performs well in suitable New Zealand climates and creates a striking feature in gardens and landscapes.

From $183.51

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search silk tassel tree

About the Silk Tassel Tree

The silk tassel tree—botanically known as Garrya elliptica—thrives in New Zealand’s varied climates, particularly where protection from harsh winds is provided. This plant is best known for its pendulous flower catkins, which hang gracefully from its branches during late winter and early spring. At maturity, silk tassel trees can reach heights of up to three metres, forming dense, glossy foliage and eye-catching tassels that create a uniquely textured backdrop or standalone feature in any landscape.

Silk Tassel Tree Varieties

Gardeners seeking the most impressive winter display often choose Garrya elliptica James Roof (James Roof), which is prized for its exceptionally long and showy catkins. Another excellent option is Garrya elliptica, offering lush foliage and reliable blooms. Both cultivars are well-suited for hedging, screens, or specimen planting and hold their decorative tassels well into the colder months, brightening the garden when few other plants bloom.

Growing Silk Tassel Trees in New Zealand Gardens

Silk tassel trees are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance once established. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, though they can tolerate full sun if sheltered from strong wind. Suitable as a low-maintenance screen or barrier, the silk tassel tree responds well to light pruning in summer after flowering. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round privacy and interest, making it ideal for those seeking both beauty and function.

Water plants regularly during their first season in the ground and mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Silk tassel trees are generally pest and disease-resistant, a major benefit in sustainable, low-input gardens.

Complementary and Alternative Plants

For gardeners interested in unique foliage or flowering trees, alternatives like Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' offer feathery, delicate blooms in summer and attractive foliage. If you’re seeking vibrant colour and unusual textures, consider Albizia 'Red Silk' for a dazzling display of red-pink flowers.

Those wanting similar texture effects may also like Restio tetraphyllus (Tassel Grass), an ornamental grass with tassel-like flower heads perfect for naturalistic garden designs.

Why Choose the Silk Tassel Tree?

By planting a silk tassel tree, you invest in year-round form, winter drama, and low-maintenance, evergreen structure. With its unique charm and adaptability, the silk tassel tree is ready to elevate your New Zealand garden—whether as a feature or a part of a stylish hedge line. Explore cultivars like Garrya elliptica James Roof (James Roof) and Garrya elliptica to discover the perfect match for your landscape vision.

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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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Knightia excelsa, Azalea 'Garden Party', and Corokia 'Pipsqueak'?
–The Plant Company

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