shrub

Prostrate Acacia

Acacia redolens

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia redolens is a tough, evergreen groundcover native to the saline lake margins and alkaline soils of southwestern Western Australia. It forms a dense, sprawling mat of woody branches clothed in leathery, blue-green phyllodes that release a distinct vanilla-like fragrance during warm weather.

The species is highly valued for stabilizing dry banks and controlling erosion in arid climates due to its extensive lateral spread. In spring, tiny golden-yellow flower globes appear in the leaf axils, creating a subtle but profuse display of color.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, low-growing carpet of blue-green foliage with sweet-scented spring flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant and salt-resistant, making it ideal for coastal and desert erosion control.

Provides excellent soil stabilization on slopes and attracts native bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Late spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a slope, bank, or sandy loam bed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then irrigate sparingly only until the root system is established.
Space multiple plants at least ten to fifteen feet apart to allow their wide-spreading branches to cover the ground without mounding over each other.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy clay or low-lying areas, as poor drainage and excessive summer irrigation rapidly trigger fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering to maintain shape.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not cut back severely into old, leafless interior wood.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Do not overwater during the hot summer months.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bank stabilizationErosion controlLarge-scale groundcoverXeriscaping

Companion Plants

Salvia Agave Rosmarinus Eucalyptus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prostrate Acacia questions

What zones can Prostrate Acacia grow in?

Prostrate Acacia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Prostrate Acacia deer resistant?

Yes — Prostrate Acacia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Prostrate Acacia bloom?

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

Does Prostrate Acacia need full sun?

Prostrate Acacia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Prostrate Acacia drought tolerant?

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