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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rutaceae (Citrus) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Synonyms: [P. salsolifolia 'Ballerina', P. australis] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Philotheca salsolifolia 'Ballerina' - A small shrub to 2 feet tall and wide with open growth and narrow small leaves. The 3/4 inch wide starshaped pinkish-purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year but primarily spring to summer. The flowers have white hairy filaments that superficially resemble a ballerina's tutu, giving this plant its name. Plant in sun to semi-shade in a very well-draining, preferably acidic soil - difficult to typically find in California but it also makes a great container plant. Irrigate only occasionally - drought tolerant and hardy to medium frost (to about 25 F?). Trim when young to keep plants dense. This plant comes from a wide range over eastern New South Wales and south eastern Queensland where it is found in coastal heath, rocky sites and open forest. The specific epithet "salsolifolia" is in reference to this plant's foliar resemblance to plants in the genus Salsola (a genus in the Salt Bush family that includes the Russian Tumble Weed). This is a 2010 UCSC Koala Blooms Australian Plant Introduction.
This information about Philotheca salsolifolia 'Tutu' 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.
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