Albizzia Lophantha (Cape Wattle) - Fast Growing Hardy Tree

Beautiful Cape Wattle Tree - Albizzia Lophantha

Create instant impact in your garden with this fast-growing, hardy tree featuring stunning feathery foliage and fragrant spring blooms that attract birds and pollinators.

Key Features:

• Spectacular spring display - Masses of fragrant yellow-green flower spikes with fluffy stamens
• Elegant foliage - Dark green, Jacaranda-like compound leaves create a graceful canopy
• Fast growing - Perfect for quick screening, shade, or windbreak
• Wildlife friendly - Perfumed flowers attract birds and beneficial insects
• Hardy and resilient - Thrives in UK gardens with minimal care
• Versatile use - Ideal as a specimen tree, screen, or shelter belt

What to Expect:

In late spring, your Albizzia will transform into a cloud of cream and yellow bottlebrush-type flowers, followed by distinctive brown seed pods. The broad, domed canopy provides excellent shade whilst the feathery foliage adds year-round texture to your landscape.

Plant Details:

Supplied as a well-established young tree, at least 18 inches tall in a 5 inch pot, ready to plant and grow. This plant has been pruned to encourage bushier growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Albizzia lophantha grow?

Cape Wattle is a remarkably fast-growing tree, typically adding 1-2 metres per year in ideal conditions. It can reach 4-6 metres in height within 3-5 years, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing shade or privacy screening.

Where should I plant my Cape Wattle?

Plant in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Albizzia lophantha tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor or sandy soils. It's ideal for coastal gardens as it has good salt tolerance. Ensure adequate space as mature trees can spread 3-4 metres wide.

Is Albizzia lophantha hardy in the UK?

Yes, this tree is hardy in most UK regions and can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -5°C to -8°C. In colder areas, provide shelter from harsh winds and consider planting in a protected spot. Young trees may benefit from fleece protection during their first winter.

When does it flower?

Cape Wattle produces its distinctive fragrant yellow flowers from late spring to early summer (typically May to June in the UK). The bottlebrush-like blooms are highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects.

Does it need pruning?

Minimal pruning is required. You can prune to shape or control size in late spring after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good structure. This specimen has been pruned to encourage a strong framework.

How much water does it need?

Once established, Cape Wattle is relatively drought-tolerant. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Mature trees typically only need watering during prolonged dry spells.

Is it evergreen or deciduous?

Albizzia lophantha is evergreen in mild UK climates, retaining its attractive feathery foliage year-round. In colder regions, it may become semi-evergreen, losing some leaves in harsh winters.

What size is the plant I'll receive?

You'll receive a healthy, pruned sapling ready for planting. The tree has been carefully shaped to encourage strong growth and an attractive form from the start.

Can I collect from Norwich?

Yes, collection is available from Norwich. This saves on delivery costs and allows you to inspect your tree before taking it home. If you do collect you will take the bigger plant and save on postage costs.

Is it suitable for small gardens?

While Cape Wattle can grow quite large, it responds well to pruning and can be maintained at a smaller size if needed. However, it's best suited to medium to large gardens where it has room to develop its natural graceful form.