Pimelea prostrata

A prostrate evergreen shrub that grows up to 10cm tall and 1m wide.

Hairy branches bear pairs of narrow blue-green leaves. Fragrant white flowers which are sweetly scented appear from spring to autumn. White or red fruits develop after flowering.

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Sandy loam well-draining soil. Pimelea will tolerate coastal conditions, grow in sand, tolerate frosts and even wet and swampy sites.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains this allows plants to make good roots before the onset of winter and helps them get through the following summer. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply mulch annually this will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Pimelea will rarely need pruning unless required to keep within its allocated area.

Relatively pest and disease-free.

Native Plant Ideas

It has been known to be poisonous to livestock.