Acacia retinoides

Description

Acacia retinoides, sometimes known as the Silver or Swamp Wattle is a fabulous native to Southern Australia through to Tasmania forming a  superb willow-like evergreen, bushy shrub.  Much loved for its unusual habit of repeatedly flowering throughout the summer months, the flowers themselves are identical to the well known mimosa, indeed it is closely related.  They are fluffy balls of bright sulphur yellow omitting a sweet marzipan-like fragrance.  For us it’s not just the wonderful flowers, it’s the beautiful silvery-blue narrow leaves and bushy habit of this fabulous shrub.  Generally hardy in southern England, tolerant of hard frosts and especially suited to coastal conditions.  Plant in a sunny position in fertile free draining soil.  Can easily be pruned and used as a cut flower.