The Cootamundra Wattle is a fast growing small tree, and has been popular for many years with gardeners. In our mind Acacia baileyana looks best when grafted as a standard, this treatment slows the growth rate and it achieves a wonderful weeping effect.
Care
In a sunny position and a well drained soil this is an easy care plant. It will grow in a little shade, however flowering is best in full sun.
Best grown in an open position where it gets good air flow.
- Dig the soil over well to twice the diameter of the container.
- Add some well rotted cow manure and aged compost.
- Plant at the same level the tree was in the container.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Water lightly in the first summer.
- Mulch around the tree to maintain a cool root run.
Acacia baileyana Purpurea
Propagation is from seed as well as from grafted cuttings.
Fertiliser
No fertiliser is requires in good soils. You can use a little specialist native plant fertiliser (low phosphate) in poor soils if desired.
Pruning
This is a tree that can be coppiced every 4 – 6 years. Simply prune it back to ground level and it will re shoot.
You can also look for Acacia baileyana Purpurea, the new foliage emerges a purple colour.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Acacia baileyana
- Common Name – Cootamundra wattle.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Height – To around 4 – 7 metres plus.
- Spread – To around 3 metres plus.
- Growth rate – Medium.
- Flowers – Golden Yellow small and rounded.
- Flowering time – Winter to Spring.
- Foliage – Green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes, light frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Medium.