Acacia Dealbata

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Order

Fabales

Genus

Acacia

Species

dealbata

Description

Ornamental tree characterised by its deep yellow, fragrant inflorescences. It is among the earliest flowering ornamental trees, from late January to March.
Acacia dealbata, known as Mimosa, is an ornamental evergreen plant native to Australia.

Its main characteristic is its light foliage with silvery-green leaves. Abundant winter flowering with fragrant yellow clusters. Small tree reaching a height of around 10 metres. Ideal as an isolated plant, in flower beds or in pots. Also suitable in rows in sunny, spacious areas in parks and spacious urban streets. Excellent for sunny terraces and as a cut flower.

Curiosities and special features

It became a symbol of International Women's Day to commemorate the tragic fire that took place on 8 March 1908, in which dozens of women factory workers in New York lost their lives; in Italy too, since 1946, it has been customary to give the flowering mimosa as a metaphor for the independence, solidarity and resilience of all women in the world.

In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, it is also used in aromatherapy, cosmetics and herbal medicine as well as a cut flower.

Origin and distribution

A botanical Species native to south-eastern Australia, it was introduced to Europe in the 18th century as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

Medium small, giving elegance to the Inflorescence in which it is clustered.

Leaf

Leafs, alternate and evergreen, have a bipinnate lamina.

Flowering period

It is among the earliest flowering ornamental trees.

from mid-winter to early spring for a duration of 20 to 30 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence flower head.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous shade with silvery green highlights.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 12 m, representing a third-size tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Its spectacular flowering and the size it achieves make it ideal for adding a unique ornamental accent to gardens and parks, large flowerbeds and street roundabouts, flowerbeds, large pots, terraces.

Suitable as an isolated plant, in flowerbeds or in pots. Also recommended in rows in sunny, spacious areas in parks and spacious urban streets.

Stem

It has a woody stem with smooth bark; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, medium-small, with a funnel-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large flower head inflorescences. It flowers from mid-winter to early spring, with a flowering period of between 20 and 30 days. It has honey notes and is very fragrant, with an intense aroma. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It is characterised by an erect habitus with light foliage.

Branching

It develops abundant branching giving high density to the foliage.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic soil or medium pH, with optimum values between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and bulky pebbles; carry out a basic fertilisation by evenly burying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser. If the soil is heavy and poorly draining, it is advisable to add sand as well.

Sun exposure

It requires the following types of exposure for proper Growth and thriving flowering: Full sun, light source indoors.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 5 and 35 °C. It prefers a mild climate. In areas with harsh winters it is recommended to protect it with mulch and special covers to prevent frost damage.

Use

Appreciated for its elegant and fragrant flowering in the following areas:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant requiring little care; with good sun exposure it tolerates cultivation and subsequent use both in pots and in the ground.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, medium textured soil, loose, with organic matter and well draining is recommended to favour proper vegetative development.

Difficulty

Following proper planting at the new site, cultivation is easy with a low level of maintenance effort required.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines forAcacia dealbata:

Avoid over-watering Prefers warm, humid climate Requires little but regular fertilisation

Planting

Choose healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the Growth conditions required by the Species according to the principle 'The right plant in the right place'. Transplant the young plant in loose, light soil or soil that is not frozen to encourage root development. It is advisable to place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the crown of the plant off the soil surface, then waterlogging after planting without causing waterlogging. Tie the stem correctly to the supports if it is slender and small with a wide crown.

Pruning

Popular plant in many forms, both natural and as a sapling or espalier and in pots.

Prune in late summer or early autumn to remove damaged or poorly formed branches, encouraging denser, more branched growth.

Propagation

Propagation can be by layering, propagation and by cuttings.

Watering

It withstands temporary drought, however, it is advisable to water in a balanced manner, particularly during the summer period, also to encourage adequate watering in the new planting site, preventing both dryness and water stagnation. Irrigate while keeping the soil in a temperate state.

Fertilising

When planted permanently in the garden or in pots, the mimosa needs limited, low-nitrogen fertilising.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

Very hardy plant that is easily grown with minimal fertilisation at the end of winter and balanced watering throughout the year. Abundant flowering in late winter both on plants grown in pots on the terrace and in the ground. Prune in a balanced way without excesses to limit the regrowth of new branches during the year.