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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle with species that also favour very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. 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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
