The Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella’ Tree is one of the most eye-catching ornamental trees for UK gardens, admired for its tropical appearance and reliable performance in suitable sites. Known commonly as the Silk Tree or Powder Puff Tree, this distinctive variety combines exotic beauty with practical hardiness.
In spring, soft, fern-like foliage emerges, creating a light, airy canopy that sways elegantly in the breeze. By mid-summer, the tree bursts into bloom, producing masses of fluffy, deep pink flower clusters that resemble powder puffs. These blooms appear from July through September, offering a long-lasting display of colour and texture that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Despite its exotic appearance, Albizia ‘Ombrella’ is surprisingly hardy. It performs well in the milder regions of the UK, thriving best in sunny, sheltered, and well-drained sites. Though tolerant of poor soils, it benefits from a protected position, especially in colder climates, to safeguard it from frost damage. A south-facing wall or courtyard provides ideal growing conditions, where warmth and shelter encourage both lush foliage and abundant flowers.
Compact in size, reaching around 4 metres in height and 3 metres in spread after 10 years, ‘Ombrella’ is particularly suited to smaller gardens and patios. It can also be fan-trained against a wall, creating a dramatic feature while conserving space. The combination of manageable growth, ornamental foliage, and bold flowers makes it a practical yet striking choice for gardeners seeking something different.
The variety’s origins add to its appeal. Discovered as a chance seedling at Bourquin Nursery in France, ‘Ombrella’ quickly gained recognition for its compact habit and outstanding flowering performance. It has since been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, confirming its value as a reliable and high-quality ornamental tree.
Year-round interest is another strength of Albizia ‘Ombrella’. The finely divided foliage provides texture and movement in the garden, while the summer flowers create a bold seasonal highlight. Even in winter, its architectural form adds structure, ensuring it remains attractive in all seasons.
Whether planted as a specimen tree, integrated into a mixed border, or trained decoratively on a wall, Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella’ delivers a tropical statement without requiring a hot climate. It is a true conversation piece, combining elegance with resilience, and brings a touch of the exotic to any landscape.
Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella’ grows to approximately 4 metres in height and 3 metres in spread after 10 years, making it ideal for gardens where space is limited. Its naturally compact and elegant growth habit ensures it provides significant ornamental value without dominating the landscape.
The airy, fern-like foliage creates a soft canopy, while the long-lasting summer flowers form a spectacular display. This tree’s modest size makes it suitable for a variety of settings, from small urban gardens to larger landscapes. It is also well suited to fan-training against a south-facing wall, where it benefits from additional warmth and protection.
Thanks to its manageable dimensions, Albizia ‘Ombrella’ is easy to integrate into borders, patios, or feature plantings, offering an exotic yet practical focal point.
