Fluffy yellow, lightly scented ball-shaped flowers cover the ends of the branches from winter to spring. An evergreen tree with a pale green trunk and large, feathery glaucous leaves, which emerge with a purple flush. This mimosa (or wattle) makes an ideal conservatory plant - while in warmer gardens, it can be planted in a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall. It will never reach the magnitude of those in its native Australia but it can grow to 12m (40ft) in 20 years, so it does need plenty of room in the garden.
How to care for Acacia dealbata:
Lightly prune after flowering has finished, cutting back shoots that spoil the shape of the tree. In the garden, incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost into the planting hole and stake firmly. To grow in a pot, plant in a loam-based potting compost and keep in a sunny spot.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
15m
Eventual spread:
6m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil