Acacia paradoxa
Acacia paradoxa · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around acacia paradoxa and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Persistent, finely divided and feathery
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (January-April), golden-yellow flowers in spikes
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 3 m tall, compact and spreading form
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Temperate to Mediterranean climate, not very hardy (tolerates short frosts)
- Origin
- Australia (New South Wales, Victoria)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Exposure
Place your Acacia paradoxa in full sun for abundant flowering and dense growth. A south- or west-facing exposure is ideal in regions with mild winters. Avoid overly shaded spots, which slow growth and reduce flowering.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Ensure impeccable drainage to prevent root rot, which Acacias particularly fear.
Soil and planting
Plant in light, well-draining, loose soil. A mix containing sand or gravel improves permeability. Acacia paradoxa dreads excess lime and heavy soils: slight acidity is beneficial.
Fertilizing
Fertilize moderately in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus to support flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen applications, which promote foliage at the expense of flowers. A single annual application is usually sufficient.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering (late spring) to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. This shrub responds well to gentle pruning and rarely tolerates hard pruning.
Pests and diseases
Watch for scale insects and spider mites, especially in container cultivation or dry climates. Stagnant moisture promotes root rot and fungal issues. Ensure good air circulation and drainage to prevent these problems. No major diseases under appropriate conditions.
Did you know?
Acacia paradoxa gets its epithet 'paradoxa' from its extraordinarily fine and feathery foliage, which seems almost ethereal—a true botanical paradox given that this robust Australian is very drought-resistant. Aborigines and early Australian colonists valued it as a source of firewood and tannin for leather work.
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.