Position

Sun exposure:
Full shade
Aspect:
South facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Acacia dealbata (mimosa tree, blue wattle or silver wattle) is a fast-growing, evergreen tree, with finely divided, fern-like leaves and bright yellow, fragrant flowers that look like fluffy yellow balls. It grows to a maximum height of just 12m, and makes an excellent garden tree, where its spring flowers dazzle without casting shade. Native to Australia, Acacia dealbata isn't fully hardy in the UK so it's important to ensure you can give it the very best growing conditions before buying it. Hardy only to between -5ºC and 1ºC, it does best in southern and coastal regions of the UK, where winters are milder.

How to grow Acacia dealbata

Grow Acacia dealbata in a sheltered, sunny spot in well drained, neutral to acidic soil. There's usually no need to prune but if you want to keep it at a particular size or shape it responds well to pruning. Make sure you cut back after flowering – the following year's flowers are formed in autumn, so don't prune after late summer.

Advice on buying Acacia dealbata

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  • Acacia dealbata is hardy only to -5ºC-1ºC, so needs a sheltered, sunny spot in a southerly or coastal region of the UK
  • Buy Acacia dealbata from a garden centre or nursery, you may find a greater vareity of sizes by shopping online
  • Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting

Where to buy Acacia dealbata

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes

Acacia and wildlife

Acacia is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Acacia poisonous?

Acacia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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