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

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

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Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

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A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
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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...

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Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
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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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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...

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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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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

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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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Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
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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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An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
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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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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
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Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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

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Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
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Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

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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...

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

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Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

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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 Magnolia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai), Chaenomeles 'Alarm', and Griselinia lucida?
–The Plant Company

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