Red-stem Wattle

Red-stem Wattle (Acacia rubida) is a fast-growing native wattle that forms a large shrub or small tree, usually 2m to 3m tall and 4m to 5m wide, though it varies with the site. Feathery blue-green foliage grows alongside long, smooth single leaves, and from winter into spring it is covered in pale to bright yellow flowers. It is a pioneer plant that copes where little else will.

Why you'll love it

• A pioneer that handles hardship. Cold, full sun, poor soil, roadside verges and seasonal flooding all suit it.
• Soft, mixed foliage. Feathery leaves beside long smooth ones give a gentle look that belies its toughness.
• Fast colour. Abundant yellow flowers from winter into spring on a plant that grows quickly.
• Frost and drought tolerant. Dry gardens and low rainfall areas suit it well once it has settled in.
• Hedge potential. Its wide, branching habit forms an informal hedge when it is tidied up with pruning after flowering.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 2m apart in a row and clip after flowering. This is a wide plant, so allow room.

Poor, rocky and seasonally wet ground. It is a good choice for revegetation and for difficult sites where soils are poor or flood for part of the year.

Feature shrub in native gardens. It brings fast winter colour while slower natives grow in around it.

Growing Red-stem Wattle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It tolerates frost and drought, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. It does not seem to like high humidity, so test it in humid districts before relying on it.

Soil. Any well drained soil. It self-seeds, so do not plant it near natural bushland or waterways, particularly where rainfall is reliable.

Water and feed. Mulch and keep it watered until established, usually about 12 weeks, and protect it from frost while it is young. After that it is reliable in dry gardens and low rainfall areas. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser after pruning.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to tidy it or to clip it to a hedge. Cut into leafy growth, not old bare wood. Wattles are relatively short-lived, so plan for a replacement.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red-stem Wattle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for hedges and revegetation, and the 200mm pots give an instant start. The tube comes from our grower and stock comes and goes. A sold out tube means the grower has none right now, 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
• More Australian native shrubs
• Drought tolerant plants

Common questions

How big does Red-stem Wattle get?

Usually 2m to 3m tall and 4m to 5m wide, though in good conditions it can grow much taller. The size varies with the site.

Can I use it as a hedge?

Yes, as an informal hedge. It is a wide, branching shrub, so plant it 2m apart and prune after flowering.

Is it weedy?

It self-seeds, so keep it away from natural bushland and waterways, especially where rainfall is reliable. Pull unwanted seedlings early.