A fast small tree with ferny blue-grey foliage flushed purple on new growth, smothered in fragrant golden ball flowers in late winter. Showy but can self-seed beyond its range.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 6 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle
Botanically, Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' is a fast-growing tree in the Fabaceae family, native to New South Wales. It reaches around 6 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen, purple-toned and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear in winter.
Where to grow Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle
Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle does best in free-draining, loamy and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle in the garden
Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a windbreak, feeding bees and pollinators and its fragrance.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle
Plant Sale lists Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.