|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranths) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
|
|
|
|
Ptilotus exaltatus 'Platinum Wallaby' (Pink Mulla Mulla) - A short lived perennial that grows to 12-18 inches tall with silver-gray foliage topped by a 4 inch tall feathery spikes of small flowers in conical arrangements that start out silvery in bud and age to a nearly neon pink color from the bottom of the spike up from early spring to late fall. This plant selected for its compact growth habit and long bloom period with long lasting flower spikes is an exciting new plant for the California Garden. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil. Reportedly tolerant of inland heat and winter cold to 20 F though likely it will perform best in warmer winter areas of California. Water only occasionally to infrequently. Should add an interesting color accent and texture to the dry garden or make an attractive container specimen. This plant replaces Ptilotus exaltatus 'Joey', a attractive but very short lived plant (annual) that we were encouraged to grow in 2008 and we are hopeful that 'Platinum Wallaby' will prove more durable though we have not had any long term experience with it. Ptilotus is a genus in the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) with over 100 species primarily native to Australia but with at least one species on the Malesia islands of Flores and Timor. Ptilotus exaltatus is widespread in Australia along the northern coast of Western Australia, east into the Northern Territory and south into Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia where it is commonly known as Pink Mulla Mulla, or Showy Foxtail. This cultivar appears to have originated in Australia under the name Ptilotus exaltatus 'Phoenix', a plant bred by Peter Abell of Passionwood Perennials. It is being marketed in the U.S. by Proven Winners. Image courtesy of by Proven Winners.
This information about Ptilotus exaltatus 'Platinum Wallaby' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
|
| |
|
|
|
