Family: Amaranthaceae
Common Name: Mulla Mulla

There are around 100 species in this genus of perennials which are found in semi-arid regions of all states of Australia, except Tasmania. Pretty, greenish or pinkish brushes, sometimes lightly fragrant, dot the sandy deserts of inland Australia after rain. The soft, hairy foliage is grayish white in colour. Very attractive when mass planted, they are suitable for growing in rockeries and pebble gardens.

Species

These are not easy to obtain outside their native Australia.

P. exaltatus, pussytails or lambs tails, is a robust, drought-resistant perennial, 60-90 cm (24-36 in) high, with woolly, gray to lavender, upright, brush flowers, with long silvery hairs.

P. grandiflorus has an upright growth habit, reaching 15-30 cm (6-12 in) high. The large, pinkish, silvery flowers appear in summer.

P. obovatus, growing to 45 cm 118 in), has grayish, hairy leaves and small, fluffy, pinkish white flowers, in spring and summer. P. polvstai hyus is a stiffly erect plant, to 1 m (3 ft), with rough, grayish leaves and erect, slender, greenish white flower spikes. There is also a red form.

P. spathulatus is a low-growing, tufted plant with pale greenish to cream flowers on upright stems.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates grow in an airy cool greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light. Water very sparingly in winter, normally at other times. In the garden, grow in very well-drained soil with full sun. Propagate in spring from seed germinated at 16°C (61°F).

Climate

Zone 9.