Magenta Mist Rice Flower

Magenta Mist Rice Flower (Pimelea ferruginea 'Magenta Mist') is a free flowering West Australian native shrub that carries clusters of vivid dark pink flowers over small, neatly arranged leaves. It grows to about 1m high and wide, big enough to be a feature rather than a filler. The colour is deeper and bolder than most rice flowers.

Why you'll love it

• Deep pink colour. Many rice flowers are pastel, but this one flowers in a strong dark pink that stands out across the garden.
• A useful size. At about 1m by 1m it fills a border gap without taking over its neighbours.
• Dune toughness. Its wild parents grow on sand dunes in Western Australia, which is why it takes so well to sandy, free draining soil.
• Butterfly food. The slender tubular flower clusters suit the long mouthparts of butterflies.
• Low fuss. Once established it is low maintenance and drought tolerant, and needs only an occasional clip.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Plant 1m apart in a sunny border, or use a single specimen near a path where the pink clusters can be seen up close.

Mixed and native gardens. Weave it through natives that share its sunny, free draining conditions for a strong burst of pink.

Containers and wildlife gardens. A large pot of 40cm or more suits it on a sunny patio, and butterflies make it welcome in a wildlife planting.

Growing Magenta Mist Rice Flower in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It prefers a frost free climate and may come through a frost if sheltered, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, with a pot for colder areas. In humid regions pick an open, airy spot, because the wild parents come from dry coastal dunes.

Soil. Free draining soil, sandy if possible. On clay, raise the bed or plant on a mound with coarse sand worked in, since wet roots are what damage a dune plant.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it is drought tolerant. Feed with a slow release or liquid fertiliser for native flowers while it is blooming.

Pruning. Clip lightly after a flush of flowers to remove spent heads and keep it dense. Avoid cutting back into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Magenta Mist Rice Flower as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. Plants travel upright. Plant them out soon after they arrive, mulch well and keep the water up until they have settled.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native plants
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants for full sun positions

Common questions

When does it flower?

This species blooms mainly in spring, and Magenta Mist is free flowering. A light clip after the main flush keeps it neat.

Will it grow in a humid garden?

It can, if drainage is excellent. Plant on a mound in an open, airy position and avoid spots where water collects after rain.

Is it safe for pets?

We do not list it as pet friendly. Plants in the pimelea family can upset the stomach if eaten, so keep chewing pets and small children away from it.