A compact, rounded WA coastal shrub with neat glossy leaves smothered in dense pink pom-pom flower heads in spring. A tidy, hardy feature and cut flower for well-drained gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Pink Rice Flower
Botanically, Pimelea ferruginea is a shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Pink Rice Flower
Pink Rice Flower suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Pink Rice Flower does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Pink Rice Flower performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Pink Rice Flower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Pink Rice Flower in the garden
Pink Rice Flower earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Pink Rice Flower with species that also favour happy on low water and Mediterranean climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Pink Rice Flower
Plant Sale lists Pink Rice Flower as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
