Oven's Wattle

This Australian native has become a staple of Mediterranean-style gardens in the UK's milder regions. It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with a distinctive weeping habit and unusual 'leaves' (actually phyllodes) that are triangular and arranged in a zig-zag fashion along the stems. In late winter and early spring, it is completely transformed by a profusion of tiny, fragrant, bright yellow pom-pom flowers that cover the branches. In the UK, it is hardy to approximately -5°C to -10°C (H3/H4), meaning it requires a very sheltered spot against a south-facing wall in most areas, or a coastal position. It grows rapidly and is excellent at providing quick evergreen structure. It prefers neutral to acid soil and will not thrive on thin chalk. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to keep it within bounds and maintain a dense crown. Its grey-green texture provides a stunning backdrop for spring bulbs.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acid soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Feb, Mar, Apr.