Summer wattle
Acacia retinodes · Fabaceae
📷 Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around summer wattle and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Acacia retinodes
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Type
- Tree
- Adult height
- 3 to 4 meters
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to June, golden yellow flowers
- Hardiness
- Moderate (Mediterranean zones, -5 to -8 °C)
- Origin
- South Australia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Acacia retinodes blooms in April-May if it hasn't been frosted. Mulch well for the first two years and water moderately during dry summers.
The common mistake
Planting it in too cold a zone or exposing it to harsh cold winds: it will freeze and can be severely damaged.
The pro's trick
In cold regions, plant at the base of a south-facing wall or plan for winter protection (frost cloth): this can make a 5°C difference.
Care
Sunlight
Summer Mimosa requires full sun exposure for generous flowering and a compact shape. Plant it sheltered from cold winds that could damage its evergreen foliage. In Mediterranean or coastal regions, it thrives without special protection.
Watering
Water regularly during the first two years after planting to establish a good root system. Once established, Summer Mimosa tolerates drought very well and only needs watering during prolonged rainless periods. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-drained soil, even poor or slightly acidic. This Australian tree adapts to chalky soils but dislikes compact soil and root suffocation. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage if your soil is too clay-heavy.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune after flowering (June-July) to maintain balanced shape and encourage wood rejuvenation. Remove dead or crossing branches. Severe pruning weakens the tree; prefer a light and gradual approach.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, Summer Mimosa requires minimal fertilizer. A light compost or fertilizer application in spring is enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, it can be affected by scale insects or aphids in hot, dry conditions. Monitor for spots on foliage. Good air circulation and moderate watering prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Acacia retinodes, also called Summer Mimosa, owes its nickname to its ability to bloom late in the season, unlike the Florist's Mimosa which blossoms in winter. Originating from South Australia's coastal regions, this acacia was introduced to the Mediterranean in the 19th century where it became emblematic of French and Italian coastal gardens.
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
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- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.