Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

 

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

Common name:            Purple Fern-Leaf Acacia, Cootamundra Wattle

Synonyms:                  Acacia baileyana var. purpurea

Plant Family:                Mimosaceae

Type:                         tree, evergreen

Growth rate:                     fast,  height x width:  7.5 x 5 m. (24' 7" x 16' 5")

Growth habit:               bushy

Main season of interest:              All Year

Predominant colours:     leaf ~    purple

                                flower ~ yellow

Position:                           full sun

Soil:                                   dry, moist, sandy, pH preference: Acid, pH tolerance: Neutral-Acid

Hardiness:                        minimum temperature -5°C (23°F), USDA Zone 9 to 11

Description:

Large shrub or small evergreen tree. Feathery greyish purple foliage, the young leaves are deeper purple. Bright yellow mimosa type flower heads in late winter and early spring. 

Cultivation:

Best in mild climate areas but fairly frost hardy. Well drained soil in sun, drought tolerant once established.

Can be pruned to make more tree-like or open. Alternatively the leader can be pruned out to create a more bushy habit. Remove any dead branches, which can be caused by excessive shade.

Propagation:

From cuttings, although difficult, or by seed (may be variable).

Design and Use Notes:

Other Notes:

A select seed strain of the species, first recorded occurrence was in the nursery of L. Coates, California, in the 1920s.