Acacia leprosa 'Scarlet Blaze'

Acacia leprosa 'Scarlet Blaze' is one of the most surprising and significant discoveries of twentieth century horticulture and was selected as Victoria's floral emblem for the Centenary of Federation celebrations.

Discovery

In 1995, bushwalkers in state forest north-east of Melbourne chanced upon a remarkable discovery - a single blood-red flower Cinnamon Wattle Acacia leprosa. Literally millions of wattles grow in the Australian bush and in parks and gardens across the country, but without exception they exhibit only yellow or cream flowers.

Plant conservation staff at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne successfully propagated the original plant cutting, and the new plants were conserved in the Gardens' nursery. The parent plant in the bush has since perished, but the plants in the nursery are thriving and are exhibiting the same striking blood-red flowers.

The successful conservation and propagation of this truly unique blood-red wattle is a momentous Australian horticulture achievement, providing a fitting choice for Victoria's Centenary of Federation floral emblem.

Scarlet Blaze offers Victorians a wonderful symbol for the new centenary, where the Australian identity embraces a diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Commercial Release

In 2001 Scarlet Blaze was commercially released. Victorian garden-lovers are now able to plant and nurture their own living symbol of this historic national celebration.

Available at:   Bunnings, Mitre 10, Plants Plus Nurseries, Grow Master Nurseries (country areas), and most other retail Nurseries.

If your local Nursery doesn't have Scarlet Blaze in stock, place an order with them for the next distribution.