Old silk trees easily survive temperatures down to minus 15 degrees. Young trees, on the other hand, need good protection from the cold season…
The silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a very decorative plant that impresses children in particular. Not only because of the magical blossoms, but much more because of the fact that the tree is going to sleep. Because the flowers close just in time for darkness. It will look like the tree is sleeping.
The plant does not require much care, even though it is normally found in tropical and subtropical areas. However, it is important to protect the silk tree from the cold temperatures in the first few years so that you can enjoy the numerous blossoms again in the following year.
4 Tips for Overwintering Silk Trees
» Overwinter silk tree in the house
If you cultivate your silk tree in a container, it is safest to overwinter it indoors or in another frost-protected place. Young trees and bushes in particular react sensitively to sub-zero temperatures up to the age of three. Move the silk tree to its winter quarters before the first night frosts set in.
Choose a bright spot in the house where the temperature is between 5 and 15°C. Unheated conservatories as well as hallways and stairwells with windows are suitable winter locations. As soon as the night-time temperatures remain permanently above freezing in spring, you can bring the silk tree outside again.
» Hibernate the silk tree on the terrace
If your silk tree is at least four years old, it can spend the winter well protected on the terrace. Place the bucket on thick wood or, even better, on Styrofoam to mitigate the effects of ground frost. Wrap the tub, trunk and stable branches with mats made of natural fibers such as coconut, jute or willow wood.
The cheaper bubble wrap is also good for frost protection, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of aesthetics. The fiber mats are too heavy for the thinner branches and twigs of the silk tree. Here, use alternatives likeLinen cloth or the particularly light gauze fleece.
» Overwinter silk tree in the garden
Fully grown silk trees in the garden survive the winter much better than their younger relatives in the pot. Temperatures down to -15°C are acceptable as long as the roots are well protected. In late fall, spread dry leaves or bark mulch over the tree grate and cover this layer with pine sticks.
You can release the trunks and branches of mature silk trees in a normal winter. However, if the weather forecast announces temperatures below -15 °C, it is advisable to use fiber mats, linen and fleece, as with tub plants.
» Watering the silk tree in winter
Silicone trees also need water in winter, but significantly less than during the warmer seasons. So water continuously, but very sparingly. With silk trees in the garden and on the terrace, frost can completely prevent water absorption for a long time. Use frost-free days to compensate for the deficiency.