shrub

White Sallow Wattle

Acacia floribunda

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia floribunda is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, valued for its graceful, weeping habit and slender, pendulous branches. The dense foliage consists of narrow, deep green linear phyllodes, which are accented by pale yellow-green new growth in the spring.

During winter and spring, the branches are covered in a profusion of pale cream to soft yellow cylindrical flower spikes that emerge from the leaf axils. This species serves as an effective, fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak in mild, coastal climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful weeping habit, slender deep green foliage, and profuse pale cream flower spikes.

Functions as an effective, fast-growing windbreak, privacy screen, or soil stabilizer on slopes.

Provides forage for generalist pollinators, native bees, and beneficial predatory insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240"

Width

160"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived (10-20 years)

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Trace alkaloids in bark; pollen allergen

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining sandy loam, clay loam, or alluvial soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain moderate moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering phase to maintain a dense, bushy habit; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the tips lightly right after the spring bloom to encourage dense growth.
Water deeply but infrequently during dry spells once the plant is established.
Use a low-phosphorus, balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as dormant buds on old timber rarely reshoot.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils where standing water can trigger root rot.
Avoid heavy applications of standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenWindbreakHedgeSpecimen PlantErosion Control

Companion Plants

Chilopsis linearis Salvia apiana Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Sallow Wattle questions

What zones can White Sallow Wattle grow in?

White Sallow Wattle is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is White Sallow Wattle deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse White Sallow Wattle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does White Sallow Wattle bloom?

White Sallow Wattle typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Sallow Wattle need full sun?

White Sallow Wattle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White Sallow Wattle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White Sallow Wattle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.