Acacia Baileyana

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flowering Period: January – February
• Hardiness: H3
• Eventual Height: 4 – 8m
• Eventual Spread: 2.5 – 4m

Acacia Baileyana, also known as ‘Cootamundra Wattle’ or ‘Golden Mimosa’ and a recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to southeastern Australia. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and public spaces.

The tree can reach a height of up to 8 metres and a spread of 4 metres, with a rounded and spreading habit. The leaves are feathery, blue-grey or silver-grey in colour, and the tree’s bark is smooth and grey, and the branches are slightly pendulous.

One of the most striking features of this plant is its abundant and showy flowers. The tree produces masses of bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers in late Winter or early Spring, which cover the entire tree and create a stunning visual display. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract bees and other pollinators.

This is a popular choice for adding colour and interest to gardens and landscapes. It is often used as a specimen tree or planted in groups for a mass effect. The tree’s attractive foliage and flowers, combined with its hardiness and ease of care, make it a versatile and highly valued ornamental tree.

How to care for your Acacia Baileyana

• Light: Prefers full sun exposure, which will help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Make sure the tree is planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Watering: The tree is drought-tolerant once established, but it still needs regular watering during the first year of growth to help it establish a strong root system. After that, the tree can go for extended periods without watering, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, add some sand or other organic material to improve drainage.
• Fertilisation: Does not require much fertilisation, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the Spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Pruning: The tree does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it to shape it or remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune the tree in the late Summer or early Autumn to avoid cutting off any flower buds.
• Winter Care: It is hardy down to -5˚C and can tolerate some frost. However, protect young trees from frost damage by covering them with blankets. You can also mulch around the base of the tree to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your Acacia Baileyana tree thrives and produces abundant and showy flowers year after year.