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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Pink Rice Flower is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Pink Rice Flower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Pink Rice Flower with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.