Albizia

The genus Albizia (Albizia, or Albizzia) includes more than 100 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, which received their name from the surname of the 18th-century naturalist Filippo Albizzia, he was the first to bring these plants to Ferenc from Constantinople. That is why the plant is often called "Constantinople acacia". The most common type is albizia Lenkoran, or silk acacia (Albizia julibrissin). The trunk is straight, with a furrowed brown bark, the crown is spreading. The leaves are regular two-pinnate, consisting of asymmetrical oblong Crescent-shaped leaflets, folding at night and in the heat. They retain their green color until the fall leaves fall. Flowers with an inconspicuous Corolla and many long stamens are collected in glabrous or spike-shaped inflorescences. The fruit is a straight, flat, multi-seeded bean that stays on the plant for a long time. Many species grow very fast. Albizia is a honey-bearing and medicinal plant. Infusion of dried flowers is used as a substitute for tea.

The genus Albizia (Albizia, or Albizzia) includes more than 100 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, which received their name from the surname of the 18th-century naturalist Filippo Albizzia, he was the first to bring these plants to Ferenc from Constantinople. That is why the plant is often called "Constantinople acacia".

The most common type is albizia Lenkoran, or silk acacia (Albizia julibrissin). The trunk is straight, with a furrowed brown bark, the crown is spreading. The leaves are regular two-pinnate, consisting of asymmetrical oblong Crescent-shaped leaflets, folding at night and in the heat. They retain their green color until the fall leaves fall. Flowers with an inconspicuous Corolla and many long stamens are collected in glabrous or spike-shaped inflorescences. The fruit is a straight, flat, multi-seeded bean that stays on the plant for a long time.

Many species grow very fast. Albizia is a honey-bearing and medicinal plant. Infusion of dried flowers is used as a substitute for tea.

Cultivation

Albizia as an ornamental crop is most often grown in single plantings in gardens and parks - they are especially valued for their long lush flowering with fluffy pink, less often red and white flowers. They are planted on a permanent planting site in the spring, when the danger of frost passes. Not a demanding plant; prefers light, loose, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils with good drainage. When planting, organic fertilizers are required at the rate of 5 kg /m2.

Albizia as an ornamental crop is most often grown in single plantings in gardens and parks - they are especially valued for their long lush flowering with fluffy pink, less often red and white flowers. They are planted on a permanent planting site in the spring, when the danger of frost passes. Not a demanding plant; prefers light, loose, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils with good drainage. When planting, organic fertilizers are required at the rate of 5 kg /m2.

Location

Light-loving plant, prefers a place in the open sun and protected from cold winds; tolerates salty sea winds well.

Temperature

Albizia Lenkoran, or silk acacia, is a frost-resistant plant (it is afraid only of very strong or prolonged frosts). Other species (such as Albizia lophantha) are less resilient and can only be grown outdoors in areas with mild climates.

Watering

Adult plants are drought tolerant. Therefore, watering is required only during periods of prolonged drought and young plants immediately after planting in the ground.

Care

Remove dry, damaged and unsightly branches.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds, layers, cuttings. Seeds germinate rather slowly, so they often resort to cuttings, taking in early summer from the side shoots semi-lignified cuttings (branch of the current year "with a heel") 10-15 cm long, which are planted in a mixture based on peat and sand (1:1) in a protected place, at a temperature of approximately 16 °C. After the formation of roots (this does not always happen quickly), the seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time in the same soil, adding top dressing in the form of a complex fertilizer at the rate of 30 g per bucket of soil. They are finally planted in 1-2 years.

Diseases

Aphids infect shoots, leaves and inflorescences; infected plants are treated with insecticides. Albizia is afraid of excess water, which easily leads to rotting of the roots. In this case, stop watering, and then adjust it, in accordance with the need.

Acquisition

Albizia is easily found in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. It is recommended to purchase small plants that are already well-formed, in containers or with a lump of earth; they are better able to tolerate transplanting.