Acacia Cognata 'Limelight'

Limelight Wattle / River Wattle

Botanical Name: Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’ (PBR)
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Australia (selected form; Mt Gambier SA – cultivar origin)
Plant Type: Evergreen compact shrub

Overview

Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’ forms a dense, mounded shrub with graceful, fine weeping foliage in vivid lime-green. Small pale-yellow ball flowers may appear in spring, but the foliage is the star. Fast, tidy and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for low hedges, borders, mass planting and containers in SA’s temperate/Mediterranean gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5–1 m H × 1–1.2 m W (occasionally wider in ideal spots)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, pendulous phyllodes; year-round lime-green effect
• Flowers: Small, pale-yellow balls in spring (generally insignificant compared to foliage) - non fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Constant lime foliage; light spring bloom.
• Wildlife Value: Spring pollen/nectar for insects.
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant, Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy (light), Wind-Tolerant; Coastal-Tolerant (sheltered/2nd line); Clay-Tolerant only if well-drained.
• Planting Density: Low hedge / edging: ~3 per metre (60–80 cm centres). Mass/border: 60–100 cm apart
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic/pet-friendly. As with any plant, ingestion can cause mild tummy upset; discourage chewing.

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; not suited to boggy sites
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established (in-ground): deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter—only if dry. Avoid waterlogging. (Aligned to its drought tolerance and drainage needs.)
• Maintenance: Light trim after flowering if shaping is needed; avoid hard cuts into old wood; mulch in spring.
• Lifespan: 10-20 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA; second-line coastal OK.
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slight alkalinity)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low hedges and edging
• Mass plant for a neat, textural ground-level effect
• Feature in pots/containers
• Soften retaining walls and paths

Why You Will Love It

A compact, modern native with show-stopping lime foliage year-round and minimal fuss—perfect for adding instant texture and colour contrast.