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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

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

Other common names
mimose de quatre saisons
wirilda

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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