About
Pimelea prostrata, the prostrate rice flower, is a mat-forming evergreen shrub to 20 cm tall with tiny, ovate, grey-green leaves and clusters of aromatic, white flowers 6 mm wide in summer, sometimes followed by small, white fruit. An ornamental and rewarding ground cover for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or wall top.
About the genus
Pimelea are small, evergreen shrubs from Australasia with leathery, paired leaves and terminal clusters of small, daphne-like tubular flowers, followed by berry-like or dry fruits. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Rock garden
Native toNew Zealand
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceGlasshouse red spider mite may be a problem in dry glasshouse conditions
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free