Description.
A small fast growing wattle with a small spreading crown, Acacia baileyana Purpurea has new foliage that that is a striking purple colour. And as this a plant that puts on new foliage through the year, it is a long lasting effect.
This is a purple leaf form of the common Cootamundra wattle and as such it can be short lived, generally expect a life span of around 12 – 15 years.
Size
Height will be around 4 – 8 metres depending on conditions.
Spread will be around 3 – 6 meres.
Uses for Acacia baileyana Purpurea
- Used as a feature tree where the foliage can be shown off.
- You try this as an informal hedge or screening plant.
- Florists love the foliage and you can cut this plant back to near ground level and it will reshoot. Pruning back hard will give flushes of new growth as well a maintaining a smaller size.
How to Grow Acacia baileyana Purpurea
This a drought tolerant and frost tolerant plant once established.
- Position
Best painted in full sun to a little light shade. - Soil
A well drained soil is essential. - Fertiliser
Generally fertiliser is not required. In very poor soil some native plant fertiliser may be beneficial. - Watering
When first planted water well through the first summer or for 3 months in dry conditions. Always allow the soil to dry a little before watering. - Mulch
When planting a layer of mulch around the plant will assist with establishment.
Problems
Acacia baileyana does produce a lot of seeds after flowering, these are spread by birds and can become an invasive weed problem outside of its natural region, especially in areas near bushland, so consider alternatives. A. baileyana purpurea is said to produce less seeds, however can still be problem in the wrong location.
Acacia trees that are native to your local area are the best alternative.
Alternative Acacia Species to Consider
- Acacia boormanii (Snowy River Wattle)
- Acacia floribunda – White Sallee Wattle or Gossamer Wattle
- Acacia binerva – Coastal Mall
- Acacia coven – Blue Bush
- Acacia drummondii – Drummonds Wattle
- Acacia montana – mallee wattle
- Acacia Itephylla – Flinders Ranges Wattle
- Acacia aspera – Rough Wattle
- Acacia cardiophylla – Wyalong Wattle
- Acacia macradenia – Zig-zag Wattle
- Acacia papyrocarpa – Western Myall