On Tue, 4 Jan 2005 09:02:27 -0000, "Charlie Pridham"
wrote:


Acacia retonoides does well in the home counties, but grow any experiments
on to a good size before planting out (I have found small plants more
susceptible to frost damage) Acacia fimbriata is often recommended down here
for outdoors but so far only my greenhouse plant is thriving (very
attractive though and filling the greenhouse with scent atm)

I grew Acacia retinoides out of doors successfully in the Midlands
where it did quite well until the massive freeze of 81/82. It may be
worth trying against a warm sunny wall and its summer flowering
tendencies mean that there is less of a risk of frost damaging young
flower buds. Even 'Prickly Moses' - Acacia verticillata came through
several winters in Droitwich. where it created a mass of vivid canary
yellow each March. It was planted against the outside wall of a frost
free greenhouse, sheltered from freezing winds.

A few years ago, Reads of Norfolk (http://www.readsnursery.co.uk)
marketed a remarkably hardy Tasmanian species - Acacia pataczekii
which they claimed to have easily withstood temps down to -14C in
Norfolk! I couldn't find it on their current website, but its got to
be worth a punt. I've not grown it, but have seen pics and they are
highly impressive.

Even Acacia dealbata can be persuaded to grow in colder parts of the
country, but its soft growth and flower buds are easily bitten by
frost, leaving the plants somewhat burnt until they resume growth in
spring. If you are going to try it in more northern counties (above
the imaginary line between the Thames and Bristol) , a really warm,
sheltered house wall is obligatory .... and expect to lose flowers in
all by the mildest of winters.


Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November