Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle)

Fast-growing, Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle) is a large spreading evergreen shrub or small tree of oval or rounded habit with narrowly lance-shaped, gray-green to light green leaves. Blooming intermittently through the year, clouds of bright lemon-yellow, small, rounded flowers held in short axillary racemes cover the branches and create a striking floral display. The blossoms attract nectar feeding birds and butterflies.

Fast-growing, Acacia retinodes (Swamp Wattle) is a large spreading evergreen shrub or small tree of oval or rounded habit with narrowly lance-shaped, gray-green to light green leaves. Blooming intermittently through the year, clouds of bright lemon-yellow, small, rounded flowers held in short axillary racemes cover the branches and create a striking floral display. The blossoms attract nectar feeding birds and butterflies. Lovely year round, Swamp Wattle can be used as a background shrub in mixed plantings, or as a barrier, wind-break. Good for soil control too.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 10-15 ft. wide (300-450 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in neutral to acid, moist, well-drained soils. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist.
  • A charming addition to Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens or wall-side borders.
  • Prune immediately after flowering.
  • Generally trouble-free, but keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite under glass.
  • 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.
  • Native to Australia, Tasmania.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 10
– 11

Climate Zones 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Acacia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 15'
– 20'
(4.5m
– 6m)
Spread 10'
– 15'
(3m
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden