Myrtle Wattle
Acacia myrtifolia · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around myrtle wattle and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Myrtle-leaved Acacia
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Form
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (January-April)
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 3 m tall
- Hardiness
- Moderate (approx. -5 to -8 °C)
- Origin
- Australia, New South Wales
Care
Exposure
Install your Myrtle-leaved Acacia in full sun for optimal flowering and compact growth. It tolerates partial shade but will have less vigorous growth and reduced blooming. Protect it from strong winds that could damage its delicate foliage.
Soil and drainage
This acacia prefers well-drained, light and slightly acidic soil. Absolutely avoid heavy, clay or chalky soils that retain moisture and cause root rot. A mix with sand or pozzolana significantly improves drainage.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer) without allowing water to stagnate at the base. In winter, significantly reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to respect the needs of this Mediterranean species.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer in spring when vegetation resumes. Legumes naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, so moderate feeding is sufficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering (April-May) to maintain harmonious shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe winter pruning which would weaken the plant before its flowering peak.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot linked to excess moisture, particularly in temperate climates. Scale insects and spider mites can occasionally weaken the plant in very dry conditions. Good drainage and adequate aeration prevent most phytosanitary problems.
Did you know?
The Myrtle-leaved Acacia is one of the first Australian acacias to flower in Europe during winter, offering its delicate pale yellow flowers from January. In Australia, Aboriginal peoples have used various acacia species for centuries for their food and medicinal properties, making this genus a botanical treasure of the Australian continent.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.