Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Pimelea ferruginea or Rice Flower

The genus Pimelea, family Thymelaeaceae, comprises 80 species of flowering plants native to Australia and New Zealand. Some species are: Pimelea ferruginea, Pimelea octophylla, Pimelea alpina, Pimelea flava, Pimelea humilis, Pimelea ligustrina.

Common names: Rice Flower, Rosy rice flower. This species is native to Australia.

They are evergreen shrubs with a low rounded shape that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The stems are furrowed by rows of small, shiny leaves that look like Buxus leaves. The small but very showy flowers appear in groups at the ends of the branches and are pink. They bloom from spring to summer.

They are used in rockery, to form bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in pots for terraces and patios. They are ideal plants for coastal gardens due to their resistance to salinity.

The Pimelea ferruginea needs a very sunny exposure to produce more flowers; in semi-shade they bloom less. They resist occasional frosts.

They grow in any type of soil that is well drained (even sandy soils).

Water moderately but deeply and wait for the substrate to dry completely.

Fertilize lightly in winter with organic matter and once in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Prune after flowering to remove faded flowers.

They can be attacked by fungi if there is an excess of humidity.

They are propagated from seeds or by cuttings in autumn taking advantage of the remains of the pruning.

Images of the shrub Pimelea ferruginea or Rice Flower