Pimelea prostrata

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Pimelea prostrata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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): 0.1

Where it is found

Dry open places in coastal to sub-alpine rocky, stony or gravelly sites, river terraces, grassland, open shrubland and fell field in North and South Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. Up to 2mm in diameter. The fruits can be fleshy or dry.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants form carpets and can be grown as a ground cover. They are best spaced about 30cm apart each way.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Prefers a lime-free peaty well-drained loam. Prefers a deep cool root run in a sunny position. This species is not very hardy in Britain, the plants usually require greenhouse protection but they could succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country if given protection from severe weather. They tolerate frosts down to about -5°c if growing in a sheltered position in a well-drained soil and can be grown in the rock garden or scree. Rather slow growing. Flowers are produced on the tips of the previous seasons growth. Plants may suffer from sudden die back. Hermaphrodite and dioecious forms exist.

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; Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;

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. coarctata.