A particularly decorative variety of silk tree, also called sleeping tree or silk acacia, is “Summer Chocolate”. This variety impresses with its pink-white flowers and purple-colored foliage. This is what proper care for the “Summer Chocolate” silk tree looks like.
How do I care for the silk acacia “Summer Chocolate”?
Caring for the “Summer Chocolate” silk acacia includes balanced watering, fertilizing every two weeks, pruning if necessary and repotting if necessary. Winter protection is required, diseases and pests are rare.
How to pour “Summer Chocolate” correctly?
The silk acacia reacts just as sensitively to waterlogging as it does to complete dryness. Water so that the root ball is always slightly moist. In winter the water supply is reduced more.
If the “Summer Chocolate” silk tree is outdoors all year round, you only need to water it in the first few years. Later it can take care of itself via the roots.
What should you pay attention to when fertilizing?
From March to the beginning of September, fertilize every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer (€18.00 on Amazon). Alternatively, you can apply slow-release fertilizer in spring.
When does the silk tree need to be cut?
If you want the silk tree to be nice and bushy, cut off the tips more often in the beginning. Then the sleeping tree branches better. If you want to grow a real tree, you must not cut off the top.
In principle, the silk acacia can also be easily cultivated as a bonsai.
When do you repot “Summer Chocolate” in the pot?
When caring for the pot, it's time for a new pot when the old container is completely rooted. Repotting takes place in spring.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Because “Summer Chocolate” is very robust, diseases and pests are rare. Waterlogging can cause root rot.
If the sleeping tree loses all its leaves in winter, it is not a disease, but rather a lack of light because the location is too dark. The leaves will sprout again next year.
How is “Summer Chocolate” overwintered?
In the first few years outdoors, you should offer the silk tree winter protection. The tree is hardy down to minus ten degrees. In colder temperatures, cover it with fleece or jute.
“Summer Chocolate” in the bucket is kept frost-free in the house over the winter.
Tip
Like all silk trees, “Summer Chocolate” prefers a sunny to partially shaded location that is protected from drafts. The soil must be permeable to water. The sleeping tree does not tolerate clay soils.