Silver Wattle

Commonly known as Mimosa, Acacia dealbata is a fast-growing evergreen tree that provides a spectacular display of bright yellow, fluffy globe-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. The foliage is equally beautiful, consisting of delicate, silvery-blue fern-like leaves that provide a soft, airy texture to the garden. While it is a staple of the Mediterranean coastline, in the UK it is moderately hardy and performs best in the milder microclimates of the south and west, or when grown against a warm, south-facing wall. It requires neutral to acid, well-drained soil and full sun. Because of its vigorous growth, it may need regular pruning to keep it within bounds in smaller gardens. The scent of the flowers is iconic and can drift across the garden on a mild spring day. In colder areas, it is often grown in a large conservatory or moved into a greenhouse during the winter months to protect it from hard frosts.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acid soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.