Mimosa

Shiney,It could have been Acacia dealbata{Mimosa,Silver Whattle}It grows to 20ft in height and 20ft in width.It has feathery leaves and small tight yellow flowers.It requires lime-free soil and needs full sun.It is semi hardy so may need protecting in the winter...

If this information doesn't fit then I have no idea what the tree is.Now you can stop

 

Your welcome Shiney.A friend of ours in the village has one in a large stone pot and it is about 10ft high.I am sorry I don't know the Geology of Essex soil.Perhaps you could have that as quiz question :D :D You can stop dribbling now as you are not having one.I have just asked Mrs Shiney and she said NO.Her sun room costs enough as it is without you wasting money on trees at your time of life :D

 

It probably is Acacia Dealbata shiney as Kandy says, I had one die on me last winter, so I agree its not totally hardy, so probably needs protection for its first couple of winters.
It can get really tall.
I know they always say acacia like lime free soil, but as long as its around neutral I think you can get away with it.

 

This was mine (Acacia Dealbata) last year shiney if it helps ID the ones you saw ?

 

Shiney,this is my friend Mimosa,not sure whether it is like the one you saw

 

Anyone know where I can get one?
They remind my Mum of the five great years we spent living in Rome back in the '60s.
I tried to get one locally last year for her but failed miserably. It would be wonderful to give her one for her birthday next month.

 

If you want to buy one on eBay (or some seeds which take longer):

mimosa

 

Many thanks Sarraceniac, my Mum is going to be so delighted.
I am going for one of the plants in the hope that it will produce some flowers next spring. I understand that given the right conditions they reach a reasonable size in a few seasons.
I've looked on Ebay but only found the seeds, which apparently require a high level of heat to break the germination mechanism (in their natural habitat this is bush fires). I don't think there is anyone in our family with fingers green enough to cope with that!
So many thanks again for the link to mimosa plants.

 

My local nursery sells them Vistabile, its just a matter of looking around, they are reasonably easy to find.

 

Vista, Acacia (Mimosa) seeds are really easy to germinate. A warm water soak for 24 hours and and sown in standard potting compost kept at 25c and they usually sprout in 2 weeks( best in the spring early summer).
A grown plant is preferable to save time but if you like growing your own they they are not difficult and grow quite rapidly, they can easily put on a couple of feet a year.
Very small plants/trees may suffer in a cold winter unless protected.

 

Hi Kandyfloss...
I see you have a mimosa tree, just like mine, only I think a little smaller.
Mine is maybe 30 feet plus tall, but this year it seems a little less happy than I
remember it in the past. Would there be any reason for this? It doesn't look dead,
just less flowers.....