The Story
Plant Bio
Pimelea ferruginea, commonly known as the pink rice-flower, is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub native to the coastal sand dunes and limestone headlands of south-western Western Australia. It features small, glossy, deep green leaves arranged in neat opposite pairs along stiff, mounding branches.
The plant produces dense, globular terminal heads of tubular pink flowers from winter through to summer, which attract native bees and butterflies. Its high tolerance for salt spray and wind makes it highly effective for exposed coastal gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to Moderate
Lifespan
5-10 years
Native To
Western Australia
Toxicity
Toxic to livestock if ingested; sap may irritate skin
Bloom period
Winter – Summer
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun to light partial shade with exceptionally sharp soil drainage.
- Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
- Backfill with native soil, press down gently to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
- Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.
Pro Tip
Plant in sharply draining sandy soil or raised beds, as heavy clay or waterlogged conditions trigger rapid fungal root rot. Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain density, avoiding any cuts into old, leafless wood which cannot regenerate.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact form.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging around the root system.
- Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring to avoid root burn.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, bare, woody stems as the plant fails to shoot from old wood.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying wet areas where water pools.
- Do not over-water once established, as excessive moisture leads directly to root rot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pink Rice-flower questions
What zones can Pink Rice-flower grow in?
Pink Rice-flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Pink Rice-flower bloom?
Pink Rice-flower typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pink Rice-flower need full sun?
Pink Rice-flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pink Rice-flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Rice-flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pink Rice-flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.