Acacia retinodes
swamp wattle
A large spreading evergreen shrub to 6m, with narrowly lance-shaped, leaf-like phyllodes and spherical lemon yellow flowerheads borne in short axillary racemes intermittently through the year
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acacia can be deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs or climbers, with alternate, pinnately divided leaves or simple modified leaf-like stalks (phyllodes), and tiny, sometimes fragrant, flowers in short spikes, or in racemes or spikes of spherical heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Australia, Tasmania
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in frost-free conditions (minimum temperature 3-5°C (37-41°F). Plant in loam-based John Innes Number 2 compost in full light. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis. In winter, water sparingly
Propagation
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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