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Shrubs

Pimelea tomentosa

matted rice flower

A half-hardy evergreen shrub to around 1m high, with upright stems bearing narrow, grey-green leaves that are softly hairy underneath. New shoots are covered with fine whitish hairs. Dense clusters of small white flowers are produced in spring, followed by white, pink or black berries

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Thymelaeaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Columnar upright
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

How to grow

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow in fertile, well drained, neutral to acid soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. In colder areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in lime-free (ericaceous) potting compost with added sharp sand, in full light. Water moderately in growth and sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse
Wall side borders

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite when grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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