Pimelea Ferruginea
Pimelea ferruginea Labill.
Pimelea ferruginea, the pink rice flower, is one of Western Australia's most beloved coastal natives, producing dense, rounded clusters of vivid pink tubular flowers against glossy dark green foliage. Hardy, compact, and free-flowering, it is prized in gardens worldwide and in the cut flower industry.
Thymelaeaceae
Late winter to early summer (August to January), most abundant in spring; may produce flowers sporadically at other times in ideal conditions
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: calytrix tetragonas and calothamnus quadrifiduss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Pimelea ferruginea was first formally described in 1805 by the French botanist Jacques Labillardière in his landmark work Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen, one of the earliest and most comprehensive botanical accounts of Australian flora. The species name ferruginea comes from the Latin meaning "rust-coloured," an unexpected name for a pink-flowered plant that most likely refers to the rusty-coloured hairs found on its bracts and flower stalks rather than the flowers themselves. The genus name Pimelea comes from the Ancient Greek word pimele, meaning "soft fat," referring to the oily seeds of plants in this family. Pimelea ferruginea is related to the Daphne of the Northern Hemisphere, sharing the same plant family (Thymelaeaceae) and a similar garden appeal. It is regarded as probably the best-known species in the genus Pimelea and has been widely cultivated in Australian gardens and internationally for well over a century. Its popularity in the commercial cut flower trade further extends its cultural reach, with bunches of pink rice flowers appearing regularly in florist shops and markets across Australia and overseas.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to light partial shade; best flowering in full sun
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; suited to Mediterranean dry summers; excellent drainage essential; avoid waterlogging; do not allow soil to become saturated
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained, Acidic to neutral, Low nutrient, Coastal sand
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral sandy or sandy-loam soil in full sun
Highly suited to coastal gardens; tolerates salt spray, sandy soils, and coastal winds
Prune lightly immediately after flowering, trimming spent flower heads and lightly shaping; do not cut into bare old wood
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers; apply a native-specific low-phosphorus fertiliser sparingly in winter and spring
Propagate from semi-hardwood stem cuttings dipped in rooting hormone; seed germination is unreliable
Grows well in containers with a well-drained native potting mix; can be grown successfully in more humid climates than its native range suggests, though not reliably in subtropical or tropical areas
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cut flower for floral arrangements (popular in the commercial cut flower industry)
- Coastal and seaside garden planting; highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal wind
- Low border or informal edging plant
- Container and pot culture; adapts well to containers
- Rock garden specimen
- Mass planting for bold spring colour display
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pimelea Ferruginea
What does pimelea ferruginea mean?
The genus name Pimelea comes from the Ancient Greek word pimele meaning "soft fat," referring to the oily seeds of plants in this family. The species name ferruginea means "rust-coloured" in Latin, referring to the rusty-coloured hairs on the bracts and flower stalks, rather than the pink flowers themselves.
Is pimelea ferruginea easy to grow?
Yes, it is considered relatively easy and adaptable for a Western Australian native plant. It needs well-drained sandy or loamy acidic soil, full sun, and moderate care. It tolerates coastal winds and salt spray very well. It can be grown in containers and performs better in Mediterranean and temperate climates than many other WA natives, though it is unreliable in subtropical or tropical conditions.
When does pimelea ferruginea flower?
The main flowering season is late winter to early summer, most abundantly in spring (roughly August to January in Australia). In ideal conditions with good sun and drainage, it may also produce sporadic flowers at other times. Pruning immediately after the main flowering season encourages a more prolific display the following year.
How do you propagate pink rice flower?
Pimelea ferruginea is best propagated from semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken after the main flowering period and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a gritty, well-draining propagation mix. Seed germination is possible but notoriously unreliable, so cuttings are the strongly preferred method.
Is pimelea ferruginea related to daphne?
Yes. Pimelea ferruginea and the Northern Hemisphere Daphne belong to the same plant family, Thymelaeaceae. They share a similar tubular flower structure and similarly oily seeds, and Pimelea is sometimes described as the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of Daphne in terms of its garden appeal and appearance.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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