Some gardeners find the flowers messy. Mimosas don't need special care. They quickly grow to about 30 feet, given sun and a well-draining soil. The wood, however, tends to be brittle, it is subject to beetle damage and webworms, and these trees have a reputation of being short-lived. Mimosa wilt can be a problem, too.
Mimosas are self-seeders.
However, if you like them, plant one or two. In fact, two sources say these plants are difficult to grow in most regions of this country, except perhaps the Pacific Northwest and on the Maine coast. It likes shade and an organically enriched, moist soil that's neutral to acidic. If you care to try these in cooler months and in the coolest spot in your garden, you can order the seed from J.L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, Redwood City, Calif. 94064. I planted tulips last fall, and they bloomed beautifully this spring.