A striking large shrub clothed in rounded silvery-blue phyllodes and bright golden winter blossom. One of the most ornamental wattles, valued for foliage as much as flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Queensland Silver Wattle
Acacia podalyriifolia is a fast-growing shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Queensland. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear in winter.
Where to grow Queensland Silver Wattle
Queensland Silver Wattle suits subtropical, warm-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 and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Queensland Silver Wattle does best in free-draining, sandy and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Queensland Silver Wattle handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Queensland Silver Wattle after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Queensland Silver Wattle in the garden
Queensland Silver Wattle earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge, feeding bees and pollinators and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and subtropical climate as Queensland Silver Wattle. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Queensland Silver Wattle
Plant Sale lists Queensland Silver Wattle as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Queensland Silver Wattle seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
