Overview
Acacia koa is a bushy trees in the genus Acacia, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Acacia koa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Acacia koa, commonly known as koa, is a species of flowering tree in the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is the second most common tree. The highest populations are on Hawaiʻi, Maui and Oʻahu. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acacia koa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acacia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Acacia koa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acacia koa
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at a minimum of 18°C in spring. Soak in warm water until seeed swells. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acacia koa?
Acacia koa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Acacia koa need?
Acacia koa grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Acacia koa hardy in the UK?
Acacia koa has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Acacia koa?
Propagate by seed at a minimum of 18°C in spring. Soak in warm water until seeed swells. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Acacia genus
- Acacia acuminataraspberry jam tree
- Acacia aneuramulga
- Acacia catechucatechu tree
- Acacia celastrifolia
- Acacia cognatanarrow-leaved bower wattle
- Acacia cornigerabull horn acacia
- Acacia crassiuscula
- Acacia dealbata 'Kambah Karpet'
