The Cootamundra Wattle
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.
How to Grow Cootamundra Wattle
In a sunny position and 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 airflow.
- 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 required in good soils. You can use a little specialist native plant fertiliser (low phosphate) in poor soils if desired.
Pruning Cootamundra Wattle
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 – 7m plus
- Spread – To around 3m 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