Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Alpine RockeryShrubs

Pimelea prostrata

prostrate rice flower

A prostrate evergreen shrub forming a mat to 20cm tall, with tiny, ovate, grey-green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers 6mm wide in summer, sometimes followed by tiny white fruit

Synonyms
Pimelea coarctata
Pimelea laevigata

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver White
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Thymelaeaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Pimelea are small evergreen shrubs with leathery, paired leaves and terminal clusters of small, daphne-like tubular flowers, followed by berry-like or dry fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in neutral to acidic soil in a sunny, sheltered position where the temperature does not fall below -3°C. In containers under glass, use an ericaceous compost (lime-free) with added sharp sand

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem in dry glasshouse conditions

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.