Acacia dealbata, known as Silver Wattle, is such a pretty evergreen tree with a profuse yellow floral display in early spring that many are tempted to give it a try. But beware! Being a native of Australia it is only hardy down to about -5 degrees Celsius and many were lost in the cold winters of 2011/12 and 2012/13.

When they are young and whippy they can frost through and die even at -2 degrees Celsius so this attractive garden tree is only worth planting in the most sheltered of south facing positions. The feathery foliage of Acacia dealbata has a hint of blue about it and resembles the ‘sensitive’ plant sometimes sold as a houseplant in garden centres.

Mature height: 3-7m