These survivors are used to the harsh life of the outback: poor soil, hot sun and little water. Which makes our gardening life a little easier.
Ptilotus exaltatus ‘Joey’
Feathery flowers sit atop grey-green foliage. The flowers begin as silvery bud and age to a bright pink later in the season.
Located in the Quadricolor garden
A.K.A. “Pink Pussy Tails”
(tih-LOH-tus ) The “p” is silent
- Full Sun
- 12-15”tall
- Acidic soil
- Silver buds grow into feathery pink blooms.
- Grow as an annual (a short lived tender perennial)
- Hardy to 20-25 degrees
There is a longer lived hybrid of this plant on the market called “Platinum Wallaby” bred by Proven Winners.
Leucophyta brownii
Silvery tumbleweed texture adds depth to garden plantings. A must have for planting with succulents or lower growing annuals.
Located in the Springfire garden
A.K.A. “Cushion Bush” or “Calothamnus”
(luke-oh-FIE-ta BROW-nee-eye)
- Full Sun
- 12 – 24”tall
- Silvery, fine texture—looks like a
tumbleweed or a small piece of coral - Performs poorly in heavy soils
- Hardy to 20 degrees, not a long lived plant
We’ll post more Australian plants later in the week.