Ptilotus polystachyus
prince of wales feather
Overview
Ptilotus polystachyus is a perennial herb of arid and semi-arid Australia forming a basal clump of grey-green leaves and erect flowering stems 12-39 inches (30-100 cm) tall. The stems and lower leaves are smooth and fleshy, the leaves 1.2-4 inches (3-10 cm) long with wavy margins. Dense cylindrical flower spikes 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide top the stems, packed with small flowers cloaked in woolly hairs that give the spike a soft, feather-like surface. The flowers open greenish and age to yellow-green, the woolly texture lasting as the spikes dry. The plant grows from a woody taproot that lets it survive long dry spells and resprout after rain. It establishes quickly from seed and behaves as a short-lived perennial or annual depending on rainfall. It grows on sandy and stony soils across inland Australia. The species is intolerant of humid, wet conditions and poorly drained soils, which limit its use in temperate-summer gardens.
Native Range
Ptilotus polystachyus is native to inland Australia, occurring across all mainland states in arid and semi-arid country. It grows on sandy plains, stony rises, and disturbed roadsides, often appearing in numbers after rain.Suggested Uses
Used in dry gardens, gravel and rockery plantings, and containers of free-draining mix. The woolly spikes are cut for fresh and dried arrangements. Suited to water-wise and native garden schemes in warm, dry climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'3"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers over a long period from late winter through spring and into summer, broadly July to December, with timing driven by rainfall. In arid areas mass flowering follows good rains at almost any season. The dried woolly spikes persist on the plant for weeks after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or stony soils of low fertility. Tolerates extended drought once the taproot is established and needs only occasional watering in cultivation. Wet, humid summers and heavy soils cause root and crown rot, so raised beds or containers suit it in higher-rainfall regions. Low-phosphorus conditions suit this Australian native. Plants are short-lived, often lasting two to three years, and are renewed from seed. Overhead watering and high humidity shorten their life.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut at the base once the dried spikes are no longer wanted, which can prompt a further flush in warm conditions. The basal clump is left intact. No structural pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons