Acacia retinodes blue-leaved

RHS Plant Profile
blue-leaved swamp wattle

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This versatile, evergreen tree or shrub, is notable for its attractive blue-green phyllodes (leaf-like structures) and bright yellow, spherical flower clusters. It blooms intermittently throughout the year and is native to southeastern Australia. This ornamental species can grow to a height of 4–8 meters with a spread of 2.5–4 meters, making it suitable for gardens seeking year-round interest

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in frost-free conditions (minimum temperature 3-5°C (37-41°F). Plant in peat-free John Innes No 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

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus