Myrtle Wattle

Myrtle Wattle (Acacia myrtifolia) is a small, evergreen native wattle that grows 1m to 2m tall and wide. It has long, gently curved grey-green leaves on deep red stems, and cream-white pompom flowers in winter and spring. It is a quiet wattle rather than a flashy one, and it is very hardy.

Why you'll love it

• Red stems and grey-green leaves. When the flowers fade, the scarlet stems add colour, and fresh new leaves glow pink in sunlight.
• Cream-white winter flowers. Pompoms open in winter and spring and attract pollinators.
• Hardy and fast. Frost and drought tolerant, fast growing and happy in almost any free draining soil.
• A wide climate range. It grows from dry southern Western Australia to chilly Tasmania and up the east coast to humid Queensland.
• Compact for a wattle. At 1m to 2m it suits suburban blocks, and it accepts a firm prune if it outgrows its space.

Where it works best

Windbreaks and informal hedges. Plant 1.2m apart in a row. The dense, shrubby growth filters wind and makes a soft hedge, trimmed lightly after flowering.

Native and cottage gardens. Plant it in a mixed border of natives or in a cottage garden, where the fine leaves and red stems give contrast and the flowers draw pollinators.

Banks and slopes. It is useful as a bank binder. Plant 1.2m apart in staggered rows and mulch between the young plants.

Growing Myrtle Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or light shade. Its natural range covers southern and eastern Australia and it tolerates frost, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. Any free draining soil. It thrives in sandy, loamy or stony ground, but constantly wet clay will shorten its life.

Water and feed. Water regularly and keep it mulched for the first 12 weeks or so, until it is established. It is drought tolerant once settled. A slow release native fertiliser after pruning supports healthy leaves and flowers in the next season.

Pruning. Prune lightly all over after flowering to keep it bushy. A firm cut back is tolerated if it grows too big, but a gentle clip is usually all it needs. Wattles are short-lived compared with many shrubs, so plan on replacing it in time.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Myrtle Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit longer hedges and revegetation, and the 140mm packs give a bushier plant sooner. Supply of the tube depends on our grower, and there are times when there is none. If the tube shows as sold out, press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it returns.

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
• Plants for windbreaks
• Plants for native bees, a year round garden guide

Common questions

How big does Myrtle Wattle get?

Usually 1m to 2m tall and wide, though the size varies with soil and climate. Prune lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Does it grow in humid climates?

Yes. Its range runs from dry southern Western Australia to chilly Tasmania and up the east coast to humid Queensland, provided the soil drains freely.

When does it flower?

In winter and spring, with cream-white pompoms. After the flowers fade, the deep red stems keep the plant interesting.