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Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle)

Swamp Wattle, Water Wattle, Wirilda, Mimose de Quatre Saisons, Everblooming Acacia

AGM Award
Acacia retinodes, Swamp Wattle, Wirilda, Mimose de Quatre Saisons, Evergreen Tree, Evergreen Shrub, Yellow Flowers, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree

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.

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 Leguminosae
Genus Acacia
Common names Wattle, Acacia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Acacia craspedocarpa (Leatherleaf Acacia)
Senegalia greggii (Catclaw Acacia)
Acacia cultriformis (Knife Acacia)
Acacia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia)
Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)

Recommended Companion Plants

Agave americana (Century Plant)
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)
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.
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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 Leguminosae
Genus Acacia
Common names Wattle, Acacia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Acacia to pick?
Compare Now

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