shrub

White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle

Acacia floribunda

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia floribunda, commonly known as the white sally wattle, is a fast-growing evergreen large shrub or small tree native to the gullies and watercourses of eastern Australia. The bushy canopy features narrow, linear phyllodes and produces cylindrical spikes of pale yellow to creamy-white flowers from winter through spring.

Unlike most wattles that demand sharp drainage and low phosphorus, this species thrives in heavy clay soils, wet riparian zones, and areas subject to periodic waterlogging. Its dense, spreading habit and high frost tolerance make it an exceptional choice for windbreaks, erosion control, and quick-growing privacy screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, weeping screen of fine foliage covered in pale yellow cylindrical flower spikes.

Excellent for stabilizing soils on banks, planting in wet clay pockets, and establishing fast-growing windbreaks.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and insectivorous or seed-eating Australian birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315 inches

Width

196 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short to medium

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Raw seeds contain anti-nutritional factors if ingested

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, clay, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loosened.
Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and firm down gently to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment phase.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood typically prevents the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially when the plant is young or in coastal sites.
Check branches periodically for signs of borers or gall-forming insects.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as it may fail to shoot back.
Do not plant near sensitive bushland areas in Victoria or South Australia where it can become invasive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

WindbreakScreeningErosion control on banksRiparian revegetation

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle questions

What zones can White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle grow in?

White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally 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.

When does White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle bloom?

White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally 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 Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle need full sun?

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

Is White Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle, White Wattle, Sally Wattle drought tolerant?

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