Guv's Gardens
Photo: Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade.
- Soil
- Well-drained.
- Water
- Low once established.
- Hardiness
- All zones (depending on species).
- Height and spread
- Prostrate forms to trees; garden species about 1-9 m.
Guv's tipGrowing wattle from seed? Soak it in boiling water for 24 hours first. Prune lightly after flowering to reduce self-seeding.
Through the year
Timings are for temperate Australia. Tropical and arid gardens follow different seasons.
Flowering
Most species late winter-spring; some flower all year.
Pruning
Little needed. Prune lightly after flowering (this also reduces self-seeding).
Making more plants
Seed, after soaking in boiling water (24 hours).
Watch out for
Borers
Look for: Holes or sawdust in stems; dieback in older plants.
What to do: Probe holes with wire; replace ageing plants.
Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.
Safety and spread
Pets and people: Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline pet-poison lists.
Weed risk: Garden wattle species are not on Queensland's restricted or prohibited lists or on NSW WeedWise. However, some native wattles are weeds outside their natural range in some states (e.g. Cootamundra wattle, A. baileyana) - check with your local council. Exotic prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica) is a declared weed in Queensland and NSW.
The Plant Doctor and the Guv's book
Printable pest and disease charts with real photographs, and all 50 Australia plants in one book.
