Prostrate Cootamundra Wattle

Prostrate Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana 'Prostrate') is a low, spreading wattle that stays between 50cm and 1m tall but sprawls up to 3m wide. Soft silver-grey foliage cascades over banks and walls all year, and in winter and spring the plant is covered in golden ball flowers. It is the wattle to choose when you want cover and colour rather than height.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage in every season. Soft, feathery silver-grey leaves give texture and a calm base colour long before and after the flowers.
• Gold in winter and spring. Masses of golden ball flowers stand out against the silver, and cut branches can be brought indoors for a vase.
• It spills and softens. The cascading habit drapes over retaining walls, banks and slopes and hides hard edges.
• Tough once established. Frost tolerant and drought hardy when settled in, and happy in clay as long as it drains.
• Good for wildlife. Wattle flowers feed bees and other insects when little else is blooming, and birds visit the plant.

Where it works best

Banks and slopes. Plant 1.5m apart across a slope. The branches knit together within a few seasons, covering bare soil and shading out weeds while the roots help hold the surface.

Groundcover in native gardens. One plant eventually covers around 3m, so on a tight budget you can space them 2m apart and accept a slower join. At 1.5m the ground closes sooner.

Over walls and edges. Plant along the top of a retaining wall or terrace and let the branches tumble over. Prune to keep it clear of paths and steps.

Growing Prostrate Cootamundra Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in a well drained spot. It is frost tolerant and drought hardy once established, but protect young plants from frost through their first winter. It suits temperate, cool, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens best. In humid subtropical gardens give it the sunniest, best drained position you have.

Soil. Well drained soil of any texture, including clay that does not hold water. Avoid low spots where water pools.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so until it is established, then rely on rainfall. After pruning, apply a slow release native fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

Pruning. Prune back to keep it compact, or let it sprawl over a bank. It responds well to pruning, but like most wattles it dislikes being cut into bare wood, so take only the leafy tips.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prostrate Cootamundra Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes suit groundcover work because wattles grow fast when young and soon overtake larger pots. Expect a small, silvery plant on arrival that settles in within a few weeks of planting in warm soil and then spreads outwards over its first seasons.

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
• More groundcover plants for open ground
• Plants for retaining walls and slopes
• Acacia care guide for Australian gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 1.5m apart for a continuous groundcover, or 2m apart if you are happy to wait a little longer for it to join up. Each plant can eventually spread to about 3m.

Can it become a weed?

Cootamundra wattle is native to a small part of southern NSW and has naturalised in other regions. If your garden backs onto bushland, check your local council's advice before planting.

Will it cope with frost and drought?

Yes, once it is established, which takes around 12 weeks of regular watering. Protect young plants from frost for their first winter.