Characteristics and care guide of mimosa (Acacia dealbata)

Today we have to talk about the Mimosa (Acacia dealbata), a tree of the legume family. Its yellow flowers provide the garden with a fabulous hue, which contrasts with the greenery of the rest of the plants. It is a species considered vulnerable in its state of conservation, so we have to avoid the latter by cultivating it.

Attentive to the growing conditions that are sure to grow without problems with these tips!

Mimosa care in the garden

His scientific name is Acacia dealbata, and it has various names, it can be known as acacia, French scent, silver mimosa, etc. If it is grown well it can reach 10 meters in height, it is perennial and has a fast growth, so we will surely see it reach that height without problems. The mimosa has its origin in Australia (this time the tree is not Asian), but we are going to adapt it to our growing conditions.

The climate and the soil. Adapting mimosa to our climate

It is a kind of temperate climate where it blooms in winter. It does not present problems in terms of cold, but we qualify. Cold below 5 degrees below zero causes severe damage to the plant. We must protect it from strong frosts and especially from strong winds, which can crack its branches. As for the lighting, it can be exposed without problems to the direct sun.

The soil structure must be either loamy or sandy (preference for the latter), but it does not tolerate clay soils very well. They must be rich in organic fertilizers, which are deep for the development of their roots and with great permeability.

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Organic matter must be provided (compost, manure, etc.) before planting and must be incorporated into the soil at least 3 times a year. The roots extend a lot, so it will not be necessary to incorporate the compost precisely in the stem, but we will form a circle of organic matter surrounding the tree with a diameter equivalent to its crown.

How will we water the Acacia dealbata?

Mimosa withstands typical drought periods of the Mediterranean area well, but it is not the most suitable if we are going to grow it in our garden. We will ensure frequent irrigation while maintaining soil moisture and as advice we will apply a padded of straw or compost, especially in summer.

Multiplication and obtaining new plants

La multiplication of mimosa can be made through seeds o cuttings.

To multiply by cuttings, stems that have not flowered are selected in summer and planted indoors with a mixed substrate of peat and sand. We will ensure the humidity and temperature (without fluctuations) at all times and in a period of 2 or 3 months they will take root. We can also speed up the process by using rooting gels.

Multiplication through seeds is simpler and more recommendable. These are grown in a seedbed ensuring a temperature of 20 ºC, in a humid and shady place. Little by little it will grow, and we will have to wait about 1 year to have a mimosa of about 15-20 cm, the perfect time to transplant into pots.

Is it necessary to prune Acacia dealbata?

It is not a tree that requires annual pruning maintenance but we will have to control its growth. We will do this through the formation pruning, since they tend to grow in a chaotic and disorganized way.

We will eliminate the stems or branches that arise from the base, that are intermingled or that are damaged, but we will avoid pruning of half a branch (splitting an already formed branch) because it unbalances the structure of the tree.