Acacia baileyana purpurea - Purple-Leaf Wattle - Evergreen Trees Direct

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

$140.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm / 45L: 1.2m – 1.8 m tall Approx.

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 mustconfirm 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.

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).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' - Purple-Leaf Wattle

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.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Australian Native

Acacia cognata 'Lime Magik'

$300.00

Type: Evergreen

Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

From $150.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly

From $150.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'

From $40.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'

From $120.00

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

From $200.00

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.

youtube

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.