Pimelea
ferruginea Bon Petite: Is a member of the Thymelaeaceae family. There
are about 110 Pimelea species. Of these 90 are endemic with the
remainder occurring in New Zealand. The endemic species occur in all states.
Pimeleas are not widely cultivated but many species, particularly those from
Western Australia, have great horticultural potential. Pimelea ferruginea
and its cultivars is probably the most widely cultivated species. It was
introduced into England in 1824.
Pimelea ferruginea is a native of Western Australia. The “Bon
Petite” cultivar grows into a dwarf, upright shrub with tightly clustered,
dark green leaves. In spring and summer each upright stem is crowned by deep
pink flower heads. The flowers are very conspicuous. Remove the spent flower
heads to keep the plant low, bushy and blooming bounteously. Our plants have
proved to be hardy, free flowering, frost resistant and drought tolerant. They
are growing in a sunny well-drained situation. “Bon Petite” is an ideal
plant for rockeries and native cottage gardens.
This cultivar propagates readily from cuttings.