Howitts Wattle
Acacia Honey Bun (Acacia howittii ‘Honey Bun’) is a beautifully compact, evergreen native wattle prized for its dense growth, soft green foliage and ease of care. Ideal for smaller gardens, containers, hedging and feature plantings, this low shrub adds year-round texture and seasonal interest with its pale yellow spring flowers
Named after Alfred William Howitt, it grows naturally in southern Gippsland. It can be found in the foothills of Mount Howitt, which is also known as Toot-buck-nulluck.
The species itself, Acacia howittii can reach around 6m in height, however, this smaller growing cultivar reaches only around 1m and is aptly named Acacia howittii Honey Bun.
Why Choose Acacia Honey Bun?
- Compact & Dense Habit: Naturally grows in a rounded, neat mound approximately 1–1.5 m tall and wide — perfect for small garden spaces and low borders.
- Australian Native: Well-suited to local climates with good drought tolerance once established.
- Wildlife Friendly: Spring blooms attract bees, beneficial insects and butterflies.
- Versatile Uses: Great for container gardening, informal hedges, rockeries, and native or coastal gardens.
How to Grow Acacia Honey Bun
Like most Acacia varieties, well-drained soil and a sunny to part shaded position is required.
- Light and Position
Plant in full sun to light shade for best growth and foliage density. A location with at least 4–6 hours of sun daily helps maintain compact form. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth as the plant stretches for light. - Soil
This wattle prefers well-drained soil. While sandy or loamy soils are ideal, it will tolerate clay soils as long as drainage is good. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. - Fertiliser
Most soils don’t require fertiliser. In poorer soils, apply a low-phosphate native fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth without harming native plant health - WateringAfter planting:
Water well to encourage root establishment.
Establishment period: Water regularly during dry spells in the first summer.
Once established: Very drought tolerant — only occasional watering is needed.
Pruning Acacia Honey Bun
Prune immediately after flowering to keep the shrub compact and encourage bushier regrowth. Light trimming with shears is usually all that’s needed to maintain shape
Landscaping Uses
- Native Garden Beds: Combine with Grevilleas, Westringia or Correas for vibrant texture.
- Containers & Courtyards: This is a plant that can reach 1m in width, so consider this when planting in pot/containers. In a courtyard its soft green structure is welcoming.
- Low Hedge: Use in rows for informal screening or to define garden beds.
- Coastal Gardens: Hardy in coastal conditions and mild frosts.
Flowering
Although flowering is not prolific, the small yellow flowers that do occur attract bees and insects to the garden. Flowering time is spring to summer.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Acacia howittii ‘Honey Bun’
- Common Name: Acacia Honey Bun / Sticky Wattle
- Height & Width: ~1–1.5 m × 1–1.5 m
- Foliage: Soft, bright green
- Flowers: Small pale yellow pom-pom blooms in spring
- Habit: Evergreen, dense, slightly pendulous
- Uses: Hedge, screen, border, container
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates clay to sandy soil
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
- Water: Low once established
Acacia howittii Forms Compares
- Acacia howittii is a medium to large tree that can reach 6m+ in height. It is commonly called the ’Sticky Wattle’.
The common name comes from the sticky resinous substance that comes from the leaves. The leaves themselves are modified leaves or phyllodes, flattened and these leaves help with drought resistance as well as giving the plant much of its visual appeal.
The species itself flowers with masse of yellow flowers, the prostate form along with ‘ Honey Bun’ do flower but not prolifically. The flowers it does produce are smaller, paler and hidden in the foliage. This much the same for Green Wave. - Acacia howittii prostrata is a very low grow form used as a ground cover, look for the named cultivar ‘Green Wave’
- Acacia howittii ‘Honey Bun’ is a low growing form reaching around 1 – 1.5 m in height and forming a compact rounded shrub.
We are Asked
Can Acacia Honey Bun grow in pots?
Yes. It performs well in containers, HOWEVER – It does need a large pot and resents being transplanted. So yes, provided there is good drainage and regular watering during establishment
Is Acacia Honey Bun good for hedging?
Yes. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for low informal hedges, borders and screening in small gardens.
When should I prune Acacia Honey Bun?
Prune lightly after flowering in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.