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Ptilotus spp.

mulla mulla

Amaranthaceae Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Ptilotus spp. is a large genus of around 120 species of annual and perennial herbs and subshrubs in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), almost all native to Australia. Plants range from low, ground-hugging forms a few inches high to upright stems 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 m) tall, often with fleshy, blue-green leaves. The flowers are tiny but densely packed into cylindrical or cone-shaped spikes 1-6 inches (2.5-15 cm) long, and each flower is clothed in soft hairs, giving the whole spike a feathery, almost woolly look. Spike color spans pink, mauve, purple, silver-grey, green, and yellow, and the colors hold for a long time, making several species useful as fresh and dried cut flowers. P. exaltatus, pink mulla mulla, and P. nobilis are among the species grown ornamentally. The genus is adapted to hot, arid and semi-arid country and requires full sun and sharp drainage; in humid climates or wet, heavy soils the plants rot and are often short-lived. Many species behave as annuals in cultivation.

Native Range

Ptilotus spp. is almost entirely endemic to Australia, where it is widespread across the arid and semi-arid interior as well as seasonally dry parts of the north and west, with a few species reaching nearby parts of Malesia. Plants grow on sandy plains, stony rises, and in open woodland, often in nutrient-poor soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in dry, gravel, native, and container gardens in hot climates, and as a warm-season bedding plant elsewhere. The long-lasting feathery spikes are used as fresh and dried cut flowers. Compact forms suit pots, rockeries, and the front of sunny, well-drained borders.

How to Identify

Recognize Ptilotus spp. by its cylindrical to cone-shaped, soft and feathery flower spikes made of many small hairy flowers, in pink, purple, silver, green, or yellow. The leaves are often fleshy and blue-green. Spikes are long-lasting and fade to papery, silvery tufts as they age.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 4'

Width/Spread8" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering peaks in spring and into summer, often after rain, with the timing varying across Australia regions. The feathery spikes hold their color for many weeks, longer than many soft flowers. In warm climates some species flower over an extended period.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, purple, silver, green, or yellow

Foliage Description

blue-green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 8-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Ptilotus spp. in full sun in very sharply drained, sandy or gritty, low-fertility soil. The genus needs heat and tolerates intense sun and drought, but it is highly prone to rot in humid air, wet soil, or shade. Water sparingly and only when the soil is dry, keeping water off the foliage. Lean soil produces sturdier plants and better flowering, so rich feeding is limited. In cold or wet-winter climates, grow it in containers of free-draining mix or treat it as a warm-season annual. Good airflow reduces fungal problems.

Pruning

Ptilotus spp. needs little pruning. Spent flower spikes can be cut back to encourage further bloom and to keep plants tidy. On perennial species, light trimming after flowering maintains a compact shape.