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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Queensland Silver 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 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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Queensland Silver Wattle with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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. 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 Queensland Silver Wattle seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.