Rare silk tree blooms in Wolfson garden

The silk tree (Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea') originates in the region from northern Iran to China (it is sometimes called the Persian silk tree) and it is not considered hardy in the UK. Nurseries will normally suggest keeping it as a hothouse specimen, but at Wolfson we are lucky to have 'hot spots' created by the sheltered conditions in our courtyards, and the silk tree is in a Mediterranean-style border that faces due south. The combination of full sun and warm brick helps keep the plants here from succumbing to winter frosts. Companions in the border include Russian sage, cardoon, potted banana plants and heat-loving salvias.

The tree is medium sized and umbrella-shaped, with beautiful fernlike foliage. In July it produces dense clusters of starlike coral pink-tinged flowers with striking purple stamens. According to head gardener Phil Stigwood, there is only one other specimen publicly viewable in Cambridge and that is at the Botanic Garden, where a one can be seen from the road at the Bateman Street cycle parking.