Acacia cognata Limelight

Acacia cognata Limelight is an astonishing and endearing Mimosa: it forms a cushion covered with a fine green foliage all year round, as soft as an animal's fur, on which one's hand will linger with pleasure. Its spring flowers are discreet, with tiny, almost white pompons. It is certainly sensitive to cold weather, but it is an excellent plant for dry terrain, to be planted in a bank or rockery in a mild climate or by the sea. It can also be easily grown in a large pot on the terrace or balcony, to be stored away in cold climates. 'Limelight' is also a star in contemporary or Japanese gardens.

Mimosas should not be confused with the tree we call acacia, which belongs to the botanical genus Robinia. They belong to the Fabaceae family and the Mimosaceae subfamily. Acacia cognata is an elegant bush with a weeping habit native to southeastern Australia, specifically the states of New South Wales and Victoria. Once well-established, this shrub perishes below -7 °C (19.4 °F) if not protected, with the young plants being even more delicate. It is tolerant but prefers sandy, loamy or rocky soils that are perfectly drained.

'Limelight' is a dwarf selection of this bush. It has a very round and weeping habit, supported by flexible branches that almost touch the ground. It reaches approximately 60 cm (23.6 in) in height with a spread of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in). Its growth is rapid. Its foliage, evergreen all year round, consists of thin and long leaves called phyllodes, covered with a shiny varnish that is very soft to the touch. They are densely inserted along the dark red-brown branches and display a very light green colour. Flowering usually occurs in March-April, depending on the climate and weather conditions, and lasts about 3 weeks. These consist of globular inflorescences called glomerules, composed of slightly fragrant flowers with prominent pale yellow stamens.

Mimosa cognata Limelight creates a sensation in the garden in mild climates, planted in masses or in a strategic location, for example above a low wall. It enjoys the Mediterranean climate as well as the mild and sunny Atlantic coast. It can be planted individually or paired with other cold-sensitive shrubs with an exotic appearance, such as Caesalpinia gilliesii, Metrosideros Mistral, Sesbania punicea, escallonias, or dwarf Grevillea. To accompany its spring flowering, it can be paired with a creeping ceanothus. With its bamboo-like appearance, it will blend well in a Japanese-style setting. It is also perfect on a contemporary terrace, next to a small pond, in a large pot, to be protected from winter frost in a lightly heated greenhouse or conservatory.