Flinders Range Wattle

Flinders Range Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla) is a large, weeping native shrub that grows 3m to 5m tall and 3m to 6m wide. Very long, slender blue-green leaves, pink-tipped on new growth, hang from the branches, and pale yellow pompom flowers appear in autumn and winter. It is robust, salt tolerant and unfussed by most soils.

Why you'll love it

• A graceful, weeping habit. Long slender leaves arranged along arching branches give a flowing shape unlike a typical wattle.
• Pale yellow autumn and winter flowers. Pompoms open in autumn and winter, followed by decorative seedpods.
• Good for cutting. Both the flowers and the seedpods are used in flower arranging.
• Tough and salt tolerant. Frost and drought tolerant, salt tolerant, and happy in any well drained soil from sandy to rocky.
• An adaptable grower. It adapts so well that it can naturalise, which makes it easy to grow but means it needs responsible siting.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 2m apart in a single row and prune after flowering to keep the hedge dense. Plants of this size need a wide strip, so allow at least 3m.

Feature shrub in native gardens. Give it room in a large garden, where the weeping habit and blue-green leaves are the focus.

Coastal gardens. Its salt tolerance lets it take on seaside gardens where salt spray burns other shrubs.

Growing Flinders Range Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is a South Australian native that has spread across the south of the country, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. Siting matters because it can naturalise: check your local council's weed lists and keep it away from bushland.

Soil. Any well drained soil, including sandy and rocky ground. In the wild it grows in sandy, rocky country, and it tolerates salt.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly while it establishes, usually about 12 weeks, and protect young plants from frost. After that it needs little water.

Pruning. Prune after flowering, cutting into leafy growth only. Watch for self-sown seedlings and remove them early, particularly near bushland.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Flinders Range Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots singly. Tubes suit a long hedge or a budget planting, while the larger pots give a bigger shrub from the start. The tube is grown for us by our grower, who does not always have stock. It shows as sold out when there is none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Acacia care guide for growing wattles in Australia
• Browse the wattle range
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Hedging and screening plants

Common questions

Will Flinders Range Wattle become a weed?

It can naturalise in some places, because it adapts so well. Check your local council's weed lists, avoid planting near bushland and remove unwanted seedlings.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

About 2m apart in a single row. It is a large shrub, so allow room for a wide hedge and prune after flowering.

Is it good for cut flowers?

Yes. The flowers and the decorative seedpods are both used in arrangements.