Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' ~ Chocolate Mimosa Tree gray-green-leaf 20120713_VanDusen_PenstemonDigitalisHuskerRed_Cutler_P1270008

20120713_VanDusen_PenstemonDigitalisHuskerRed_Cutler_P1270008

Empress is a self pollinator but sets fruit better with another cultivar

The fragrant fringe-like lavender blue flowers blooms in whorls at the top of the thick stems in summer

as the aromatic compounds of the foliage and stems are flammable

and Mexico

Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' ~ Chocolate Mimosa Tree gray-green-leaf 20120713_VanDusen_PenstemonDigitalisHuskerRed_Cutler_P1270008Chocolate Mimosa is a small to medium sized tree that typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet. It features finely divided, fern like leaves that emerge as a deep burgundy or chocolate brown color, hence its name. In late spring and summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pink, powder puff like flowers that create a beautiful contrast against the dark foliage. This Mimosa variety thrives in well drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.