Acacia redolens 'Low Boy' (Prostrate Acacia) - A low-growing evergreen shrub to 1 to 2 feet tall by 10 to 15 feet wide with dense habit and much branched with stems covered with narrow 2 to 4 inch long gray-green leaves (phyllodes). Small vanilla scented yellow flowers appear in spring but are not very showy.
Plant in full sun to light shade. Tolerant of very dry conditions and requires no irrigation once established in coastal gardens and infrequent watering in hot inland areas and grows well in moderately alkaline soils and windy coastal situations. Hardy to 15 to 20 degrees F.
This cutting grown selection was introduced by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery in 1984 under a trademarked name but is more widely found in the trade as 'Low Boy'. It is lower than the species and can be used as a low groundcover if widely space so the plants don't build up against each other. A great groundcover, especially on slopes but it is commonly spaced too closely and will require shearing to keep low in these situations if a low groundcover is sought. Acacia redolens is considered fairly short lived but can look good for 15 to 20 years so is longer lived than some other commonly used groundcover plants. This species is native to inland areas of southern Western Australia. The name Acacia comes either from the Greek word 'akazo' meaning "to sharpen" or from the Egyptian word 'akakia', a name given to the Egyptian Thorn, Acacia arabica. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'redolent' meaning "to give off a scent" for the fragrance of the flowers.
The information about Acacia redolens 'Low Boy' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |