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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
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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

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