Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle)
Swamp Wattle, Water Wattle, Wirilda, Mimose de Quatre Saisons, Everblooming Acacia
Fast-growing, Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle) is a large spreading evergreen shrub or small tree of oval or rounded habit with narrowly lance-shaped, gray-green to light green leaves. Blooming intermittently through the year, clouds of bright lemon-yellow, small, rounded flowers held in short axillary racemes cover the branches and create a striking floral display. The blossoms attract nectar feeding birds and butterflies. Lovely year round, Swamp Wattle can be used as a background shrub in mixed plantings, or as a barrier, wind-break. Good for soil control too.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 10-15 ft. wide (300-450 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in neutral to acid, moist, well-drained soils. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist.
- A charming addition to Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens or wall-side borders.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Generally trouble-free, but keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite under glass.
- Propagate by seed that has been soaked in warm water. Sow at no less than 18°C (64°F). Alternatively, propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Native to Australia, Tasmania.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Acacia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
Iryna Loginova, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Acacia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |