Acacia spp.

How to Grow Wattle

There are over 600 species of this genus, ranging from small shrubs to large trees. Wattles (Acacia spp.) are evergreen with yellow flowers in late winter or spring, but the foliage may be feathery, flat or needle-like.

Full sun to Part shade

Water well after planting. Requires little water once established

Well drained

All year. Suitable for all climates, check the label for appropriate climatic zones for the chosen plant.

How to grow wattle in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to part shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

How to grow wattle in a pot

Best suited to the Acacia cognata varieties such as “Limelight”.

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Growing tips

Wattles are very fast growing, but are short-lived plants
There are many different varieties of A. cognata ranging from standard forms to the more common low dense forming shrub.
Various species of native wattle are classed as weed species in some states. Check your local council for details on the best species to grow in your area.
Reliable and adaptable species are:

- Gold dust wattle (A. acinacea). Height 1-2 metres, Width 1-2 metres.
- Cootamundra wattle (A. baileyana). Height 3-5 metres, width 3-5 metres.
- Box-leafed wattle (A. buxifolia). Height 2-3 metres, Width 2-3 metres.
- Black wattle (A. decurrens). Height 6-9 metres, Width 3-5 metres.
- Sydney golden wattle (A. longifolia). Height 4-5 metres, Width 2-3 metres.
- Queensland silver wattle (A. podalyriifolia). Height 3-4 metres, Width 3-4 metres.
- Golden wattle (A. pycnantha). Height 3-5 metres, Width 2 metres. This variety is Australia's national flower.