Scientific Name
Mimosa borealis A. Gray
Common Names
Fragrant Mimosa, Pink Mimosa, Catclaw Mimosa, Sensitive Mimosa
Synonyms
Mimosa fragrans
Scientific Classification
Family:Â Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Mimoseae
Genus:Â Mimosa
Flower
Color:Â Pink
Bloom Time: Spring through summer
Description
Mimosa borealis is a small deciduous shrub with slightly zigzag, rigid branches with small pinnately compound leaves. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall with an equal width. Flowers are fragrant, showy pink globe with yellow anthers. It blooms in spring and then intermittently all through the summer.
How to Grow and Care
Mimosa can grow in some really hardy zones and survive in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees Celsius). Although it grows exceptionally well in bright and full sunlight, it can grow in partially shaded areas. The plant can grow on various soil types like clay, loam, and sandy soil. The soil should ideally be acidic, but a mildly alkaline soil would suffice too. The plant is known to survive in droughts and hence requires little watering.
The ideal time for planting a Mimosa is during the spring on well-drained soil. As these flowering plants prefer acidic soil, it is advised that you add peat moss and composted leaves at regular intervals to maintain their acidic properties. Water the plant and soil enough, but not so much as to saturate it. Keep the area under the tree clean by sweeping away the fallen flowers and seed pods. Pruning of the branches should ideally be done during fall. This tree often tends to get infested by pests like webworm caterpillars. If affected, the branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent any collateral damage to the plant. If not taken care of, the need to spray insecticides might arise. See more at How to Grow and Care for Mimosa.
Origin
Native to Kansas and southeastern Colorado south to northern Mexico.
Links
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