Pimelea ligustrina

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Pimelea ligustrina is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

Mountainous tree-fern country and forests.

Australia - New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A good quality fibre obtained from the stems is used as a tying material and for cordage.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Prefers a lime-free peaty well-drained loam in a sunny position. This species is not very hardy in Britain, the plants usually require greenhouse protection but they succeed outdoors in the Scilly Isles and probably in the mildest areas of the mainland. There is an alpine form that grows only 1 metre tall, this would probably be somewhat hardier. A very ornamental plant, but rather slow growing. Flowers are produced on the tips of the previous seasons growth. Plants may suffer from sudden die back. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings 5cm long in late spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. hypericina.