Pimelea prostrata
strand pimelea
New Zealand (North and South Islands)
Overview
Pimelea prostrata is an evergreen prostrate subshrub in the Thymelaeaceae family, forming a dense, ground-hugging mat 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) tall and spreading 12-40 inches (30-100 cm) wide. The wiry stems are clothed in small, overlapping blue-green to grey-green leaves 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm) long. Clusters of small white tubular flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) long open at the stem tips through spring and summer, lightly fragrant, and are followed by small white fleshy fruits. It is native to New Zealand, where it grows on coastal sand, rocky ground, and alpine sites across both main islands. It is hardy and tolerates wind, salt, and drought once established, withstanding frost to about 14F (-10C). It needs sharp drainage and is short-lived in heavy, wet soils. Plants of the genus Pimelea spp. contain compounds toxic to grazing cattle. The flat mat covers ground and rock quickly.
Native Range
Pimelea prostrata is native to New Zealand, growing on coastal dunes, rocky shores, and open alpine ground across the North and South Islands. It ranges from sea level to the mountains.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover for rockeries, gravel gardens, and coastal banks, and as a spillover plant in troughs and containers, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. It suits exposed, sharply drained sites where taller plants struggle. The flat mat binds loose sand and gravel.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 3'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil at a pH of 5.5-7.5. Water needs are low once established, and the mat withstands wind, coastal salt, and drought. It is hardy to about 14F (-10C). In heavy or wet soils it is short-lived and prone to root rot, so sharp drainage matters. Lean soils suit it better than rich, fertile ground.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond trimming straggly stems to keep the mat even. Stems that root along the ground can be lifted and replanted to propagate. Old, woody patches are cut out to encourage fresh growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons