Acacia dealbata (mimosa tree, blue wattle or silver wattle) is a fast-growing, evergreen tree, with finely divided, fern-like leaves and bright yellow, fragrant flowers that look like fluffy yellow balls. It grows to a maximum height of just 12m, and makes an excellent garden tree, where its spring flowers dazzle without casting shade. Native to Australia, Acacia dealbata isn't fully hardy in the UK so it's important to ensure you can give it the very best growing conditions before buying it. Hardy only to between -5ºC and 1ºC, it does best in southern and coastal regions of the UK, where winters are milder.
How to grow Acacia dealbata
Grow Acacia dealbata in a sheltered, sunny spot in well drained, neutral to acidic soil. There's usually no need to prune but if you want to keep it at a particular size or shape it responds well to pruning. Make sure you cut back after flowering – the following year's flowers are formed in autumn, so don't prune after late summer.
Advice on buying Acacia dealbata
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Acacia dealbata is hardy only to -5ºC-1ºC, so needs a sheltered, sunny spot in a southerly or coastal region of the UK
Buy Acacia dealbata from a garden centre or nursery, you may find a greater vareity of sizes by shopping online
Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting
