Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’

Purple Fern Leaf Acacia

Gorgeous Purple New Growth And Yellow Flowers In Early Spring

Plant Profile: Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’

This is a beautiful foliage plant with the added bonus of flowers in early spring. It is a smallish tree that can be limited by an annual pruning in Spring.

  1. Common Name: Purple Fernleaf Acacia
  2. Scientific Name: Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’
  3. Family: Fabaceae
  4. Plant Type: Evergreen Tree/Shrub
  5. Native Range: Southeastern Australia
  6. Zone Adaptability: USDA hardiness zones 9 – 11, RHS hardiness rating of H4 (hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5 ))
  7. Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates drought conditions but not frost.
  8. Size: Height 4-6 meters (13-20 feet), spread 6-8 meters (20-26 feet)
  9. Growth Rate: Fast.
  10. Bloom Time: Late winter/ early spring.
  11. Bloom Description: Produces sprays of small, globular, brilliant yellow flowers.
  12. Leaf Description: Features feather-like, finely divided leaves of grey-green, with new growth being of a striking, purplish tint.
  13. Uses in Landscaping: Can be used as a specimen tree in landscaping for its striking foliage, or as a windbreak/hedge in coastal areas.
  14. Maintenance: Requires little maintenance, though may need some formative pruning in its early years.
  15. Pests/Diseases: Generally disease-free but watch for root rot in poorly drained soils. May attract pest insects such as scale and whitefly.
  16. Other Features: Semi-evergreen in colder climates. Attractive to birds.
  17. Propagating: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  18. Availability: Widely available from nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers.
  19. Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers attract bees and other insects. Also beneficial for birds due to its seed production.

Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ at The Paddock

I planted a young specimen of this beauty just over two years ago. It took a while to settle, but it has put on a fair amount of growth in the last year.

Acacia are often said to prefer acidic soil conditions, so far our young specimen does not seem to mind our alkaline soil.

I have it growing just outside The Fire Pit Garden, here it is reasonably sheltered from wind, it has a sunny aspect, and the soft purple foliage will hopefully add a smoky effect to the fiery colours of the planting in The Fire Pit Garden below.