Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’

‘Summer Chocolate’ is a strikingly dark-leaved form of the mimosa or silk tree. Feathery pinnate leaves emerge bronze-green and mature to a rich chocolate-burgundy, lit up in midsummer by fluffy pink powder-puff flowers.

It has an elegant spreading, vase-shaped crown and reaches around 5 to 6m eventually. The whole effect is exotic and tropical, but it’s more hardy than it looks, copes with UK winters in a sheltered spot.

Plant in full sun in free-draining soil, sheltered from cold drying winds. Late to come into leaf in spring, so don’t panic if neighbours’ trees are already green. Minimal pruning.

A brilliant statement tree for a sunny courtyard, a Mediterranean-style scheme, or anywhere you’d like drama and exoticism in one plant.