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 |