Acacia baileyana (common names: Cootamundra wattle)

I bought this tree 3 years ago because I liked the unusual colours, purple buds opening to blue/green foliage, which doesn't drop off in winter. As an added bonus it has masses of small yellow flowers through winter/spring. I only found out recently that it is supposed to be kept in a conservatory, as it will grow to 20ft+, you'd need to live at Kew! It has survived quite nicely outside in Birmingham, on a South facing raised bed along with other Mediteranian plants,

That is glorious Blyco!

Stunning tree! And obviously a good spot for it!

Not many clues in my RHS book, 'conditions needed are full light, red spider mites may be a problem'. Otherwise, sorry, don't know.

Thanks for the feedback. I am planning to plant them out next year in a sunny spot, hope they survive until then............A couple of the plants have new shoots coming through, but the leaves are dropping off which shouldn't happen, I'll keeep my fingers crossed

The RHS Boook also says "water sparingly in winter". You could try with-holding water from one of them and see if it perks up a bit

Most trees or shrubs drop their leaves when brought inside, I would put them in a sheltered place outside in full light but try not to let the soil be too wet, especially when frosty.

Welcome to Grows on You. Thanks for that advice, i'll wrap the pots with fleece and put them in a sheltered spot outside

Hi - just looking up this plant to see what I could feed my similarly sad-looking one (temporarily in a pot, so I can take it with me when we move late summer). I see it's an old post - I'm sure they're better for being outside now? Did you know they like to be in ericaceous compost? Mine looks sad at the moment because I dug it up & shoved it in a small pot (thinking our move was imminent), but managed to put it in a bigger pot 2 weeks ago with fresh ericaceous compost 2 weeks ago....first signs of new growth came a few days ago.

You've certainly found the right place for it. What sort of soil do you have? I acquired one of these plants in October and kept it outdoors in a pot over winter. Like you I've only just read it should be in a conservatory over winter. There seems to be new growth on it but its a bit spindly at the bottom. Do you feed it or anything?

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Have a Great day!

Hi Swan1, It's planted on a raised South facing bed. The bed is built up with top soil excavated from a hole I dug for a pond, so there's about 3 feet of top soil. Each Spring I give the whole bed a top dressing of Growmore granules and home made compost (it has to go somewhere!) Since taking the above photo I've had to prune back the lower branches to give everything else a chance.