About
Acacia retinodes, commonly referred to as blue-leaved wattle, is an evergreen tree or shrub recognized for its distinctive blue-green phyllodes and vibrant yellow, round flower clusters. It produces blooms at various times across the year and is indigenous to southeastern Australia. This ornamental plant can reach heights of 4 to 8 meters and a width of 2.5 to 4 meters, making it an excellent choice for gardens that aim for continuous visual appeal.
About the genus
Acacia comprises a variety of forms including deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. The leaves can be either alternate and pinnately compound or consist of simple, modified leaf-like structures known as phyllodes. These plants produce small flowers, which may be fragrant, arranged in short spikes, racemes, or spherical clusters.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in frost-free conditions (minimum temperature 3-5°C (37-41°F). Plant in peat-free John Innes No 2 compost in full light. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis. In winter, water sparingly
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8
- Propagation
- 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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus