Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'Purple-leaved silk tree

Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ develops an initially irregular crown, which becomes progressively broad, open and parasol-like. The horizontal branching and the delicacy of the foliage give it a light silhouette, despite its strong colour presence. It can reach approximately 5 to 8 metres in height and a similar width, depending on the climate, the soil and the way it is trained.

The large bipinnate leaves are made up of countless leaflets, creating a fern-like texture. The young foliage shows greenish-bronze tones, darkening gradually to a deep purple, close to chocolate. The leaflets partly close at the end of the day, adding movement and variation to the crown.

During the summer, rounded flower heads appear, formed of long pink stamens that seem to float above the dark foliage. The contrast between the luminous flowers and the purple background is the most striking ornamental expression of the cultivar. The flowering attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects and is followed by flat, decorative pods.

It prefers full sun, an essential condition for intensifying the foliage colour and encouraging flowering. It grows best in well-drained soils and in a position protected from cold winds, with good tolerance of heat and periods of drought once established. It is suited to contemporary or Mediterranean gardens, large courtyards, seating areas and compositions that call for contrast with green, silvery or pale foliage.

A mature specimen from Diaplant immediately brings the broad, layered form that characterises this cultivar. The already structured crown makes it possible to create dappled shade, frame a seating area or establish a focal point of strong contrast, avoiding the several years a young plant needs to develop the intended parasol architecture and volume of foliage.