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Acacia baileyana Songlines

Acacia baileyana Songlines®
Cootamundra wattle

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More information

This superb variety has evergreen feathery foliage, in a range of green-grey and bluish tones, enhanced by young shoots with a violet-grey hue. Its clusters of small golden yellow pompon flowers create an interesting contrast with the foliage tones in late winter. This large, very flexible bush tolerates drought very well, but does not like limestone. It will make a magnificent subject in a large pot, to be stored over winter in cold regions, or in open ground in mild climates.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
5 m
Spread at maturity
4 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -6°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time January to March
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Description

The Acacia baileyana Songlines is a form of Mimosa that resembles 'Purpurea', but has foliage with more blue and grey tones. It is a large evergreen bush or small tree with long flexible branches adorned with finely cut foliage and young shoots gently tinged with silver and violet. Its clusters of small yellow pom-pom flowers appear in late winter, forming an interesting contrast with the foliage tones. The bush is tender, but it adapts to poor soils, tolerates drought perfectly and does not sucker. Whether in the ground or in a pot, this mimosa adds depth and intensity to even the most modest decor.

Mimosas should not be confused with the tree we call acacia, which belongs to the botanical genus Robinia. They belong to the fabaceae family, just like alfalfa and lupins. Acacia baileyana is a shrub native to Tasmania and Australia, specifically the southern part of New South Wales. Acacia baileyana is sometimes grafted onto Acacia retinodes (the four seasons mimosa), which has the advantage of not suckering and allows for cultivation in very dry limestone soils. 'Songlines' has a flexible, rounded habit, carried by long, slightly drooping branches.

The Songlines cultivar reaches about 5-6m (16 in 5 ft - 19 in 8 ft) in height and 3-4m (9 in 10 ft - 13 in 1 ft) in spread at maturity. Its growth is rapid, with an individual planted in the ground for 2 years already reaching over 2m (6 in 7 ft) in height in a Mediterranean climate. Its lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. The bark is coloured the same blue-grey tone as the adult foliage. The floral buds appear from August on the branches. Flowering occurs from January to March depending on the climate and weather conditions, and lasts about 3 weeks. Its small round flowers are bright yellow and gathered in clusters in the axils of the leaves located towards the ends of the branches. Their scent is light, more noticeable during the hottest hours of the day. Its foliage consists of small finely cut leaves with tiny leaflets initially coloured violet, gradually turning grey-blue and then grey-green. The bush itself is able to withstand short frosts of around -8°C (17.6°F). When grafted, the less hardy rootstock perishes below -5°C (23°F) if not protected. Its drought resistance in summer is excellent.

When planted in the ground in mild climates, Mimosa Songlines can be placed as a standalone specimen sheltered from strong winds, or in a shrub border. It can be associated with other tender shrubs with an exotic appearance, such as Caesalpinia gilliesii, Sesbania punicea, escallonias, or even Callistemons. It can be cultivated in a large container if protected from winter frosts in a greenhouse or a minimally heated conservatory.

Acacia baileyana Songlines in pictures

Acacia baileyana Songlines (Flowering) Flowering
Acacia baileyana Songlines (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 5 m
Spread at maturity 4 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time January to March
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 1 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description Grouped in axillary racemes.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour grey or silver

Botanical data

Genus

Acacia

Species

baileyana

Cultivar

Songlines®

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Cootamundra wattle

Origin

Australia

Product reference180131

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Planting and care

The Acacia baileyana Songlines is best planted in March or April, in a very sunny position, sheltered from strong winds; autumn planting is reserved for regions with a very mild climate. As the roots of the mimosa are shallow, it is advisable to install a stake at the time of planting, to keep it upright and allow it to establish roots. Ungrafted, this mimosa needs acidic to neutral soil, as it does not like limestone.

As it tolerates drought once established, watering is not necessary when grown in open ground. Light pruning is optional but recommended, especially if the tree is slightly exposed to the wind: after flowering, shorten the branches that have bloomed by about one-third of their length. This operation prevents the formation of seeds that unnecessarily exhaust the plant. Spring pruning will be useful to remove branches that have been damaged by the cold and to rebalance the habit of the bush. The mimosa is sensitive to cold; as soon as temperatures approach 0°C (32°F), it is advisable to provide thick mulch at its base to protect the rootstock and roots, and to cover the rootstock if necessary with fleece.

In the case of pot cultivation, repot in a large container every two years in spring. Water occasionally, making sure the root ball does not completely dry out. In cold regions, it should be overwintered in a bright and cool, but frost-free, place.

The pests of this mimosa are the psyllid (false aphid) as well as the mealybug (Metcalfa pruinosa) and the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi). To limit their development, spray with a nettle solution or diluted black soap at 5%.

Planting period

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -6°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained.

Care

Pruning instructions Although optional, light pruning is recommended, especially if the tree is slightly exposed to the wind: after flowering, shorten the branches that have bloomed by about one-third of their length. This operation helps prevent the formation of seeds that exhaust the plant. Pruning can also be done to remove branches that have been affected by the cold and to rebalance the habit of the bush.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March, November
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs protection

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