Family: Thymelaeaceae
Common Name: Rice Flower

There are around 80 species in this genus of small, evergreen shrubs, mainly native to Australia and New Zealand. Related to Daphne, they are grown for their showy, terminal flower heads in white, cream, yellow, pink or red. The flowers of many species are fragrant and the fruits are generally elongated and nut-like, but may be berry-like and succulent. Sharp hairs on the seeds can be irritating to the skin.

Species

P. ferruginea, pink or rosy rice flower, from Western Australia, is the most popular species in cultivation. A compact grower to about 1 m (3 ft), it has small, neat leaves in opposite rows, and rounded heads of pink flowers through spring into early summer. Named cultivars of this species are available.

P. ligustrina, from 1.5 to 2 m (5-6 ft) high, has larger leaves and white flowers.

P. linifolia, slender rice flower, is from the eastern and southern states of Australia. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) high, it has white flowers in summer and sometimes in other seasons.

P. prostrata is a mat-forming species from New Zealand, which is useful as a groundcover or rockery plant. Growing only 15 cm (6 in) high, it has white flowers, followed by tiny white berries.

P. rosea, pink rice flower, is a rounded shrub, with a height and breadth of about 60 cm (24 in). It has bright pink flowers, although they may occasionally be pale pink or white, in summer. Western Australia's P. spectabilis grows to between 70 cm and 1.5 m (28-60 in) high. It has large, showy, flower heads, in white, opening from deep pink buds. The most spectacular species, it is not easy to grow outside its preferred climate.

P. suaveolens, also from Western Australia, grows to about 70 cm (28 in) high, with large, fragrant, yellow-green flowers.

Cultivation

In climates prone to frost, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in pots of acid, sandy potting compost. Ensure maximum light. In the garden, the plants need an acid or neutral, well drained soil and full sun. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooting them in a heated propagating case. Lightly trim plants after flowering.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9, or zone 10.