The Mimosa tree, scientifically known as Albizia julibrissin, is a popular ornamental choice recognized for its fast growth rate and unique, feathery foliage. During the summer months, it produces distinctive, fluffy pink blooms that attract pollinators and create a tropical aesthetic in the landscape. This guide walks through the specific steps necessary to buy a healthy Mimosa tree and ensure its successful establishment in your yard.
Choosing the Right Mimosa Variety and Size
The standard Mimosa is the species Albizia julibrissin, but several cultivars offer specific traits to suit different garden needs. For instance, ‘Summer Chocolate’ is known for its striking burgundy-purple foliage and compact size, typically reaching 15 to 20 feet. Other options include ‘Rosea,’ which is often smaller and more cold-tolerant, or ‘Ombrella,’ which features a dense, dome-shaped canopy. Selecting a variety that matches your climate and space constraints is the first step toward a successful purchase.
Mimosa trees are generally sold in three primary formats, each impacting cost and planting success. Containerized trees are grown in pots, retain their entire root system, and are easy to plant year-round. Bare-root specimens are the most economical, sold without soil during dormancy, and are typically limited to smaller, younger stock. Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees are field-grown, offering the largest sizes for instant landscape impact, but they are significantly heavier and undergo substantial root loss during harvest.
Vendor Options: Local Nurseries Versus Online Specialists
The choice of vendor depends largely on the desired size, variety, and convenience of the purchase. Local nurseries and garden centers provide the immediate benefit of physically inspecting the Mimosa tree before buying, allowing buyers to check the trunk and foliage for any signs of damage or disease. These local experts also offer regionalized planting advice, which is invaluable for understanding specific soil or climate challenges in your immediate area. However, local stock is often limited to the most common Albizia julibrissin varieties, and the price point can be higher due to lower volume sales.
Conversely, online nurseries and specialty tree growers offer a significantly broader selection of unique cultivars, such as the less common ‘Ernest Wilson’ or ‘Summer Chocolate’ varieties. These specialists frequently provide competitive pricing and can ship smaller, lighter bare-root or containerized trees efficiently across long distances.
Purchasing online does introduce the risk of shipping shock and damage, and the buyer must rely heavily on the vendor’s reputation and guarantees regarding plant health. Another option is purchasing from big box stores, which typically offer the lowest prices on common containerized stock. While appealing for budget-conscious buyers, the quality control and staff expertise may be inconsistent, leading to a higher risk of acquiring a tree with pre-existing issues like girdling roots or minor stress. Weighing the cost savings against the long-term health risks is an important consideration.
Logistics of Purchase: Timing and Delivery Inspection
Maximizing the tree’s chances of survival begins with selecting the optimal time for planting. Planting in the dormant season (early spring before bud break or in the fall) minimizes transplant shock by allowing the root system to establish without the stress of supporting active leaf growth. Container-grown trees provide the most flexibility and can be successfully planted throughout the spring and into early summer, provided they receive consistent moisture.
Regardless of the vendor chosen, a thorough inspection of the Mimosa upon delivery or pickup is necessary. For containerized trees, check for roots spiraling around the interior of the pot, known as circling roots, which must be corrected before planting to prevent girdling. The trunk should be examined for any deep abrasions or wounds that could serve as entry points for pathogens like mimosa wilt. Similarly, balled-and-burlapped specimens should have a firm root ball, and any broken branches or signs of pest infestation should warrant rejection of the product.
If immediate planting is not possible, the tree must be protected from desiccation. Bare-root trees need their roots kept moist, often by being temporarily buried in a moist medium or soaked in water for a few hours prior to planting. Container or B&B stock should be temporarily placed in a sheltered location and watered regularly to prevent the root ball from drying out until it can be permanently situated.
Ensuring Successful Establishment After Purchase
The proper technique for planting the Mimosa tree is essential to guarantee its long-term health. Mimosa trees thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct exposure daily to promote abundant flowering and robust growth. The planting site should also have well-draining soil, as heavy, compacted clay can lead to root issues and disease.
When digging the hole, aim for a width that is two to three times the diameter of the root ball, but ensure the depth does not exceed the root ball’s height. Locate the root flare, the point where the trunk widens at the base, and position the tree so this flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level, typically one to two inches. This practice is vital for ensuring proper oxygen exchange and preventing the tree from settling too deep after the backfill soil compacts.
After backfilling with the original soil, water the tree deeply to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots. Apply a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep this mulch several inches away from the trunk itself to prevent moisture build-up that could cause rot. Consistent watering during the first growing season is necessary for successful establishment.