Long-leaved wattle
Acacia longifolia · Fabaceae
📷 josh jackson · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around long-leaved wattle and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (January-April)
- Adult size
- 3 to 6 m tall, 2 to 4 m wide
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (light frosts tolerated, -5 to -7 °C max)
- Origin
- Australia (New South Wales)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Exposure and climate
Plant your LongLeaf Wattle in full sun for optimal flowering. It appreciates a Mediterranean or warm temperate climate; in cold regions, protect it from wind and late frosts. In areas with harsh winters, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during extreme cold.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it tolerates dry periods; reduce watering significantly in winter. Avoid hard water and prefer rainwater if possible.
Soil and drainage
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Enrich the substrate with compost or peat to promote slight acidity. In pots, use a Mediterranean shrub mix with perlite or gravel.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus in spring to stimulate flowering. Moderate feeding in summer is sufficient; stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Keep doses low to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering (April-May) to compact the shape and remove dead wood. Avoid severe pruning that weakens the plant; prefer gentle, progressive cuts. Thin out the center of the shrub to improve air circulation.
Diseases and pests
Acacia longifolia is relatively resistant but can be affected by powdery mildew in humid, enclosed conditions. Watch for scale insects when growing under cover. Ensure good ventilation and avoid excess moisture to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The LongLeaf Wattle was introduced to the Mediterranean in the 19th century and became naturalized on the French Côte d'Azur, where it is now the floral emblem. Its fragrant golden-yellow flowers in cylindrical racemes are often associated with Candlemas and the Mimosa Festival in Bormes-les-Mimosas. In Australia, it's a key shrub in coastal ecosystems, adapting its leaves into phyllodes (flattened petioles) to conserve water.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.