Umbrella tree Albizia saman

Credit: Cody Hinchliff

Albizia saman flower

Credit: Lauren Gutierrez

Pink and white flower Albizia saman

Credit: LonNyoe

Albizia saman leaf

Credit: Vengolis

Albizia saman trunk

Credit: Dinesh Valke

Albizia saman, the rain tree

The Rain Tree, in Latin Albizia saman, grows between Costa Rica and Colombia. Less widespread in our latitudes than its cousin the Silk Tree (Albizia julbrissin), it nevertheless offers the same delicate, colorful blossoms.

How to recognize the rain tree, Albizia saman?

The Albizia saman grows to a height of 25 meters and a spread of 40 meters. It is a spreading tree.

The trunk branches very low and the branches form a parasol-shaped crown. Thesmooth gray bark becomesrough and cracked with age.

The green deciduous foliage consists of pinnate, alternate leaves. Each leaf is divided into four to eight pairs of leaflets. The entire leaflets are diamond-shaped, with pubescent undersides. Like some praying plants, the leaves fold back at night or when it rains.

Flowering can take place from March to September. The tree is then adorned with clusters of pink and white puff-shaped flowers.

The rain tree then produces brown pods 15 to 20 centimetres long. These fruits contain the seeds.

Information on the toxicity of Albizia saman remains limited. However, some sources indicate that the bark and fruits could be harmful if ingested by humans and domestic animals.

Our maintenance tips

Rain Trees do not need watering when well established. However, in times of drought, they may need watering. You'll notice it right away:
the leaves turn yellow when the tree is thirsty.

We recommend that you plant your tree in the ground, so that it can develop properly. If you have no other option than to plant your Rain tree in a pot, transplant it to the ground when it is two or three years old, so that it can continue to grow.

Watering

Allow the substrate to dry for about five centimetres before watering. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater. Moisten the soil without soaking it.

Wait for the water to drain through the drainage holes before putting your plant back in its place. Empty any water stagnating in the dish. It may rot the roots.

Spray

Your the Rain Tree hates wet foliage. You must not mist the plant.

Repotting

Obtain a pierced pot larger than the root ball. Choose a terracotta model. This material optimizes drainage and limits the risk of root rot in the event of excess water.

Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel.

Then add a layer of universal or Mediterranean potting soil. Plant your Rain tree in the center. Fill in with substrate. Do not bury the collar.

Tamp and water to remove air bubbles. You can mulch the base with a mineral material to keep the soil cool.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply flowering tree fertilizer to promote growth and flowering.

Prune

Pruning is especially necessary for young trees(up to three years old). Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to promote healing and prevent the spread of disease.

Start by cutting away dead or diseased branches. Then carry out training pruning. Remove intersecting twigs and cut back upright stems. This will help the tree develop its spreading habit.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Rain Trees have a very spreading habit. Plant your tree in isolation, away from your home and other shrubs, so that it can develop its crown. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds.

Soak the root ball of your Albizia saman in water. Meanwhile, dig a hole twice as wide and deeper than the root ball. Remove stones and weeds. If your soil is heavy, you can add gravel or pozzolan to the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your plant in the center. The collar should be level with the ground. Fill the hole with garden soil. You may mix it with compost to enrich it, or gravel to lighten it.

Tamp lightly and water well to help the roots take hold.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Fabaceae - Fabaceae
Type	Albizia - Albizia
Species	Rain tree - Albizia saman
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Deciduous
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	Open ground
Categories	Tree Flowery
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origins	Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color