Nano Bower Wattle

Nano Bower Wattle (Acacia cognata 'Nano') is a dense dwarf wattle that mounds to just 30cm to 50cm tall and spreads 60cm to 120cm wide. The slender green foliage forms a soft, feathery mop that is pleasant to touch, which makes it a low effort plant for borders, edging and the tops of retaining walls. It is grown for texture rather than flowers.

Why you'll love it

• Soft, mop-like texture. Fine, grassy foliage forms a loose, fluffy mound that contrasts well with bolder leaves.
• Low and wide. At 30cm to 50cm tall it stays below sight lines, yet it spreads wide enough to cover a lot of ground.
• Tough and easy. Frost, drought and coastal tolerant, even in salty soils, and rugged enough to have a go almost anywhere.
• Dense enough to define an edge. The compact habit suits low hedging and screening along paths and beds.
• Happy in a pot. It can also be grown in pots and containers, which helps where soil is poor or space is tight.

Where it works best

Borders and low hedges. Plant 80cm apart in a single row. The mounds touch as they reach their 60cm to 120cm spread and form a continuous, soft edge.

Over retaining walls. Set plants along the top of a wall and the mounds soften the edge without growing tall enough to block a view.

Native and wildlife gardens. Use it as a low foreground beneath taller native shrubs, where the fine foliage makes a neat contrast with larger leaves.

Growing Nano Bower Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It tolerates frost, drought and coastal conditions, but protect young plants from frost for their first winter. It is a rugged plant that suits coastal gardens as well as inland ones.

Soil. Any moist soil, even a sandy loam. Like other wattles it dislikes waterlogging, so avoid sites where water pools.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established. A slow release, low phosphorus native fertiliser after pruning promotes healthy growth.

Pruning. Prune to shape as necessary, taking only the leafy tips rather than cutting into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Nano Bower Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 300mm pots, sold singly. Tubes are the economical choice for a long edge, while a 300mm plant arrives as a formed mound for a feature position or a pot. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks of planting in warm soil.

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 retaining walls and slopes
• Ground covers for low maintenance gardens
• Acacia care guide for Australian gardens

Common questions

How wide will it spread?

Between 60cm and 120cm, while staying only 30cm to 50cm tall. Plant 80cm apart for a continuous border, or 1m apart if you want each mound to read as its own shape.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It can be grown in pots and containers, and the 300mm size gives you a ready formed mound. Use a free draining potting mix and keep it watered while it establishes.

Is it tough enough for frost and salt wind?

Yes. It is frost, drought and coastal tolerant, even in salty soils. Protect young plants from frost through their first winter and it will look after itself from there.