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Do You Need to Train Acacia Pravissima?

Acacia pravissima, also called oven’s wattle, is a native plant of Australia and a member of the Fabaceae family, a large collection of plants that includes peas, alfalfa and beans. Many plants in this family are also suitable as ornamental plants. Acacia pravissima is a distinctive variety that can grow to 8 feet tall in gardens and requires minimal care. This plant can be trained to grow along structures by limiting its spreading growth habit with careful pruning.
  1. About Acacia Pravissima

    • Acacia pravissima is a member of the vast acacia family, which includes many different cultivars that can grow in the form of vines, shrubs and trees. Acacia pravissima can grow to 20 feet tall in the wild, but grows smaller in smaller garden settings. The most unusual feature of the pravissima variety is the small triangular, leaflike formations along the stems. Buds begin forming in midwinter and slowly develop into a lavish display of light- to bright-yellow fragrant flowers. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-draining soil. Acacia pravissima is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and 9, according to the Southeast Garden website.

    Planting Acacia Pravissima

    • Acacia pravissima will grow in any well-draining soil that receives full sunlight. This plant should be protected from cold winds and temperatures by planting in a sheltered spot in a southern exposure. Though more cold-tolerant than other acacias, the pravissima is still susceptible to frost damage. Spread mulch over the base of plants in autumn. In cold climates, Acacia pravissima can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the winter months, according to the Find Me Plants website.

    Training Acacia Pravissima

    • Acacia pravissima is a sprawling plant whose stems droop with age. It benefits from pruning to keep it in a compact shape and to remove any frost or insect damage. Remove lower branches to keep the tree from spreading widely and to maintain the tree shape. Pruning after flowering produces the best results. Though you do not need to train Acacia pravissima, its spreading habit can be contained to fit into limited areas for a better appearance. Prune off the tops of the central leader when the plant exceeds the desired height.

    Care of Acacia Pravissima

    • Water the plant moderately during the growing season and lightly in winter. A general-purpose fertilizer applied every two weeks will provide the nutrients it needs. Acacia pravissima is generally resistant to plant pests. If pests are found, treat with an insecticidal soap or neem-based pesticide.