Compact, drought-tolerant shrubs with fragrant flowers for low-maintenance gardens
Pimelia a large genus with over 60 species Pimelia plants are varied and with many common different names.
Pimelea humilis is known as the dwarf rice flowers and is found in Southern New south Wales, Victoria and South Australia small creamy white flowers. Other species have very different flowers and growth habits
Other species include Pimelea ferruginea (pictured right) which is from Western Australia with attractive pink flowers, and the popular Qualup Bell or P. physodes which has bell like flowers.
P. linifolia is a different form and also sometimes referred to as rice flowers, these are found in the Eastern States. P. Rosea is a great long flowering garden plant, a well drained position and full sun (pictured below).
Lots of named cultivars are finding their way into nurseries, we are not sure if they are much of an improvement on the species in some cases, however do look for grafted varieties.
| Species | Height | Flower Colour | Landscaping Uses |
| P. ferruginea | 1-2m | Pink-white | Coastal Screening plant |
| P. linifolia | 0.5-1m | White | Rockeries, pots |
| P. rosea | 0.8m | Pink | Borders, mass plant |
| P. physodes | 1.m | Yellow/Cream/Green/Purple | Feature plant |
More About Pimelea
How To grow Pimelea Species – Basic Care
As garden plants Pimelea will require different attention depending on the species. All of the Western Australian species are best grown as grafted plants in the eastern states.
They all require excellent drainage and good sun. We have found them to be hardy in the cool Dandenong ranges given good conditions. Fertilize all species only with a weak dose of native plant fertilizer.
- Plant in full sun to light shade during spring/autumn; space 0.5-1m apart for airflow.
- Mix in coarse sand if soil is clay-heavy, or poorly drained; aim for pH 5.5-7.0. Mulch with gravel to suppress weeds.
- Deep water weekly in first summer, then drought-tolerant; fertilise sparingly with native mix in spring.
- Give plants a Light trim after flowering to shape; avoid hard pruning.
We have found that most species can be pruned as long as you do not cut back to hard into old wood. Pimelea nivea or round leafed rice flower has interesting foliage.