Wirilda

Wirilda (Acacia retinodes), also called swamp wattle, is a tall, evergreen native wattle that grows 5m to 8m tall and about 5m wide. Long, very slender grey-green leaves carry cream-yellow pompom flowers in spring and, off and on, through the rest of the year. It is a tough, easy-going all-rounder for native gardens and damp spots.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers off and on all year. The main flush comes in spring, with more pompoms scattered through the year.
• Tough and low maintenance. Hardy and easy-going, it asks very little once it has settled.
• Soil, sun or shade. It grows in any soil, in full sun or shade. Its other name, swamp wattle, points to its tolerance of wet ground, and it suits bog gardens.
• Non-invasive roots. The roots are non-invasive, which makes it a considerate neighbour in the garden.
• Food for wildlife. Nectar-feeding birds and butterflies visit the flowers.

Where it works best

Native gardens and wet spots. Use it in a native garden or in a low area that stays damp, where many other wattles would struggle.

Screening at the back of a large garden. Plant 3m apart for a tall, informal screen. A single plant will spread to about 5m, so allow for that.

Wildlife plantings. Include it in a mixed native planting to bring in nectar-feeding birds and butterflies.

Growing Wirilda in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or shade. A southern native, it is frost hardy and suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. It grows in any soil, from heavy and damp to ordinary garden loam. The roots are non-invasive, but still allow plenty of space for a tree that will reach 8m.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly through the first 12 weeks, until the tree is established. After that it is low maintenance. A slow release native fertiliser after pruning promotes healthy leaves and flowers in the next flush.

Pruning. Prune after flowering while the plant is young, to keep it dense. A mature tree is hard to prune, so plan the site carefully. Wattles are short-lived compared with most trees, so expect to replace it in time.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wirilda 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. The tubes suit screens and revegetation, and the potted packs give a taller start. Our grower does not always have tube stock to send. When the tube reads sold out, the notify button on the page will email you the moment it is available again.

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 trees
• Designing a native garden to attract wildlife

Common questions

How tall will Wirilda grow?

Between 5m and 8m, with a spread of about 5m. Give it room, and keep it clear of buildings.

Does it grow in wet soil?

Its other name is swamp wattle and it suits bog gardens, though it also grows in ordinary soil in sun or shade.

Is it invasive?

The roots are non-invasive. As with many wattles, check your local council's guidance if you live near bushland.