Silk Tree 'Ernest Wilson' (Albizia julibrissin) - Seeds - The Silk Tree with "Winter Hardiness Plus"

A touch of the tropics that can also withstand our latitudes: Albizia julibrissin 'Ernest Wilson' is a special selection of the Persian silk tree (also called the sleeping tree). It combines the breathtaking, exotic beauty of the species with a genetically improved, significantly higher winter hardiness. This variety owes its name to the famous plant hunter Ernest Henry Wilson, who discovered it in the harsher climates of Korea at the beginning of the 20th century.

Scope of delivery: 10 seeds each

Botanical highlights in detail

Growth and picturesque silhouette

'Ernest Wilson' grows as a large shrub or small tree and typically reaches a height of 4 to 6 meters with a similar width. Its crown shape is particularly picturesque: it naturally forms a broad, flat umbrella crown, providing light, shimmering shade. Its growth is often multi-stemmed and elegantly spreading, making it the perfect specimen plant for patios or Mediterranean garden areas.

The delicate foliage & the fascinating "sleep movement"

The bipinnate leaves are reminiscent of fern fronds or mimosas. They give the tree an incredible lightness. A fascinating phenomenon is the so-called sleep movement (nyctinasty): in the dark or during rain, the countless small leaflets fold together in pairs, as if the plant were "going to sleep." The next morning, they open up again in the sunlight.

Spectacular powder puff flowers

In midsummer (July to August), the crown transforms into a sea of blossoms. The flowers consist mainly of long, silky stamens that look like pink powder puffs with a white base. They have a delicate scent and are a magnet for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.

The secret of success: Location, hardiness, and proper care in youth

The perfect location

For 'Ernest Wilson' to develop its full splendor and winter hardiness, warmth is essential.

• Light & warmth: A full sun, warm, and wind-protected spot is a must. A south-facing wall or a sheltered courtyard are ideal. The tree needs summer heat to allow the wood to ripen well by autumn.

• Soil: The soil must be exceptionally well-draining. Sandy-gravelly, rather lean soils are ideal. Heavy, wet clay soils and waterlogging (especially in winter) will inevitably lead to frost damage or root rot.

Winter protection in practice: The safe way for young plants

This is the decisive difference between theory and practice. Although 'Ernest Wilson' is considered the hardiest variety, established plants can withstand temperatures down to approx. -18°C (Zone 7a). However: This does not apply to young plants. In the first two to three years, the wood is still soft and the bark thin.

Therefore, the golden rule applies: Play it safe and bring young plants inside for the winter!

Here is how to guide your silk tree safely through its critical early years:

1. Container cultivation: Keep the silk tree in a sufficiently large container for the first few years. This makes winterizing straightforward.

2. The perfect winter quarters: As the tree sheds its leaves in the autumn, it enters a deep dormant phase. It needs no light in its winter quarters. You can easily overwinter the young plant in a cool, dark, and frost-free room such as an unheated garage, a cool basement, or a shed. The temperature should ideally be between 5°C and 10°C, but must not stay frozen.

3. Winter care: During this dormant phase, the plant needs almost no attention. Just keep the soil minimally moist so that the root ball never dries out completely. Do not fertilize.

Moving outdoors and planting in the ground

• Spring: As soon as there is no longer a risk of severe, prolonged frosts (roughly from April/May), the tree can be moved outside again. Gradually reacclimatize it to the sun in a semi-shaded spot at first to avoid sunburn on the young leaves.

• Planting out: Only when the trunk is significantly thicker and the wood is hard (after approx. 3 years) should the tree be planted permanently in the open ground. Be sure to choose spring for this. This gives it the entire summer to establish a deep root system before it spends its first winter in the garden (which you then protect with a thick layer of leaves over the root area).

Use in the garden

The Albizia julibrissin 'Ernest Wilson' is a classic specimen plant that needs space to unfold its umbrella crown. It is the ideal shade provider for seating areas and fits perfectly into Mediterranean or exotic gardens. Due to its light shade, it can be easily underplanted with sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials (e.g., lavender, sage) or grasses.