Elegant Wattle

Elegant Wattle (Acacia victoriae) is a tall, fast growing native wattle that reaches 2m to 4m tall and wide. Small grey-green leaves, a dark trunk that branches low to the ground and long sharp thorns all along the stems make it a working plant: a windbreak, a security hedge and an erosion fixer. Cream-yellow, fragrant pompom flowers open in spring.

Why you'll love it

• Tough across much of the country. In the wild it grows from the Pilbara and Nullarbor to the Flinders Ranges, on floodplains, in clay and on salty coastal dunes.
• Drought and frost tolerant. Once established it handles dry country and frost, although it dislikes prolonged harsh cold.
• Fragrant spring flowers. Cream-yellow pompoms open in spring and are followed by broad brown seedpods.
• A natural barrier. Thorns on every stem make a dense security hedge that people and stock think twice about.
• Works for wildlife. Pollen and seeds feed insects and birds, and the thorny crown gives small birds shelter.

Where it works best

Windbreaks. Plant 2m apart in a staggered row. It grows quickly and holds up in exposed sites.

Security hedges. Plant 2m apart in a single row along a boundary. Keep it well away from paths, play areas and anywhere people or pets brush past.

Erosion control and poor soil. The extensive root system and its tolerance of clay, compacted ground and poor soils suit it to banks, revegetation and difficult sites.

Growing Elegant Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits warm, dry and inland gardens best, from the subtropics through warm temperate and Mediterranean climates to the arid zone, and it dislikes prolonged harsh cold. It grows enthusiastically with rainfall or irrigation, so in gentle, wetter climates choose its position with care.

Soil. It grows happily in clay and copes with poor or compacted ground. The extensive root system can sucker, so keep it away from buildings and pipes.

Water and feed. Water regularly for about 12 weeks until established, then leave it to rainfall. It needs no routine feeding.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to shape the plant, though this is not required. Wear thick gloves and eye protection.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Elegant Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical way to plant a long windbreak or hedge, and a young wattle grows fast once its roots are down. Wear gloves when you plant, because the thorns are sharp.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full wattle range
• Plants for windbreaks and exposed sites
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Acacia care guide for Australian gardens

Common questions

Is it safe around children and pets?

Not really. There are thorns on every stem, so it is not one for gardens with young children or pets. Use it along a back boundary or in a paddock instead.

Where should I not plant it?

Away from buildings, drains and pipes, because the extensive roots can sucker. Choose a spot where a spreading, thorny plant will not cause trouble.

Can it become a problem in my garden?

It grows enthusiastically with rainfall or irrigation, so in gentle, wetter climates give it a position where it cannot spread into places you do not want it. In dry country it is an easy, unfussy plant.