Species

Acacia baileyanaCootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa

tree

Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia baileyana, native to a restricted area of southern inland New South Wales, grows as an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen tree with a spreading canopy of bipinnate, silvery-grey foliage. In late winter, the branches carry dense axillary racemes of bright golden-yellow globular flower heads.

'Purpurea' is a horticultural selection distinguished by its striking new foliage, which emerges in deep purple and plum tones before maturing to the typical blue-green. This purple colouration is most intense on plants grown in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic seasonal contrast with its bright yellow winter blooms and plum-purple new foliage.

Functions as a fast-growing screen or windbreak in dry, low-nutrient soils.

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

SpeciesAcacia baileyanaCootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

197 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Native To

Southern inland New South Wales, Australia

Toxicity

Pollen can trigger hay fever and allergic reactions

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with excellent drainage, as waterlogged soil is fatal.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of similar depth.
Position the plant, backfill with native soil, and firm down gently without compacting.
Water in thoroughly and apply a low-phosphorus mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering finishes in spring; cutting back into old, bare wood will kill the branch permanently as wattles lack dormant epicormic buds on mature timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense canopy.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus native fertilisers.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, thick, leafless wood.
Do not apply standard complete garden fertilisers high in phosphorus.
Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.

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

Specimen plantingWindbreaksScreeningFoliage contrast

Companion Plants

Grevillea Westringia Correa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle questions

What zones can Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle grow in?

Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra 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 Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle bloom?

Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle need full sun?

Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle drought tolerant?

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