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Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

Most loved for its striking purple new foliage and masses of golden-yellow flowers in late winter to spring.

Regular price $160.00
Sale price $160.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$160.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m$220.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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    About Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' flushes striking purple new foliage over fine silver-grey mature growth, then covers itself in masses of golden ball flowers through late winter and early spring. The purple and gold combination is unmatched among Australian natives.

    'Purpurea' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 5 metres wide at 1 to 2 metres per year, which makes it one of the fastest ways to establish a feature tree or soften a boundary. The weeping fine-textured canopy works as a specimen, a driveway border or an informal screen.

    This Australian native grows in full sun and tolerates light to moderate frost once established, along with drought and poor soils. Like most fast wattles it is relatively short-lived at 15 to 20 years, so it is best used where quick impact matters more than longevity.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

    How tall does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' grow?

    'Purpurea' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 5 metres wide, forming a spreading weeping canopy. It is a small to medium feature tree suited to most suburban gardens.

    What makes the foliage purple?

    New growth emerges deep purple before hardening to fine silver-grey. Flushes occur through the growing season, so the purple and silver contrast is present for much of the year.

    When does 'Purpurea' flower?

    Masses of golden-yellow ball flowers appear through late winter and early spring, contrasting strongly with the purple new foliage.

    How fast does 'Purpurea' grow?

    Very fast, at 1 to 2 metres per year. It will deliver a usable feature tree or screen within two to three years of planting.

    How long does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' live?

    Like most fast-growing wattles it is relatively short-lived, typically 15 to 20 years. Plan for replacement, or use it as a quick screen while slower long-term trees establish.

    Is 'Purpurea' frost tolerant?

    It handles light to moderate frost once established. Protect young plants through their first winter in colder inland districts.

    How far apart should I plant 'Purpurea' for a screen?

    Plant 2 to 3 metres apart for an informal screen, or 3 to 4 metres apart as individual feature trees so the weeping canopy can develop fully.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Spreading
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Driveway Border
    Mature height
    4m to 6m
    Mature width
    3m to 5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast-growing).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle in Different Soil

    Acacia baileyana performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Driveway Border

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 4m to 6m

    Mature Width: 3m to 5m

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast-growing).

    Growth Rate of Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is expected to grow 1m to 2m per year (fast-growing).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

    Is Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle frost tolerant?

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle Flower?

    Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ produces abundant clusters of bright golden ball-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. The vivid blooms contrast beautifully with its soft purple-toned foliage, creating a striking and highly decorative seasonal display.

    Does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Autumn
    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Fluffy

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle is Native to Native to the tablelands and slopes of New South Wales, particularly around Cootamundra.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle ?

    Its dense canopy offers protective shelter for small birds, while its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract native bees, beetles, hoverflies and other beneficial insects that help support a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem.

    How much Sunlight does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle need?

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with good aeration. It will tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions unless improved with organic matter to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures and becomes more drought tolerant.

    Is Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle Drought Tolerant?

    Is Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it benefits from regular watering, but once established Acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ develops strong drought tolerance. It performs well in low-water settings and remains reliable through extended dry periods with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: Does Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' drop much leaf litter?
    A: It may shed fine foliage during dry periods but is generally low-mess.

    • Q: Is it suitable for smaller urban gardens?
    A: Yes, especially when pruned to maintain a compact shape.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' is loved for its striking purple new foliage and masses of golden-yellow flowers in late winter to spring.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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