The “Biscuit Plant” (Pimelea ferruginea) is a popular ornamental shrub known for its distinctive, compact flower clusters. It is valued for its aesthetic appeal and vibrant color. Its common name, “Biscuit Plant,” is inspired by the rounded, dome-shaped appearance of its floral heads, making it a charming addition to various landscape designs.
Understanding the Biscuit Plant
Pimelea ferruginea is an evergreen shrub that grows as a dense, erect plant, reaching heights of 0.3 to 1.5 meters (1 to 5 feet) and spreading up to 0.7 to 2.5 meters (2 to 8 feet) wide. Its stems are covered with small, oval to narrowly elliptic, deep green leaves, typically measuring 5–16 mm long. The plant’s most striking feature is its “biscuit-like” flower heads, which are dense, rounded clusters of small, tubular flowers, predominantly in shades of pale to deep pink. White and magenta forms are also available.
These conspicuous flower clusters appear at the ends of branches, blooming primarily from early spring through summer, and sometimes into late winter. The plant is native to near-coastal areas of southwestern Western Australia, where it naturally thrives on sand dunes and rocky headlands. The common name “Biscuit Plant” or “Pink Rice Flower” refers to the dense, rounded shape of its flower clusters, which resemble small biscuits or rice grains.
Cultivating the Biscuit Plant
The Biscuit Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions; more sunlight generally leads to a greater abundance of flowers. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and even clay soils, provided they are well-draining. Proper drainage is crucial, as the Biscuit Plant is sensitive to overly moist conditions and can suffer from root problems if waterlogged.
Once established, Pimelea ferruginea is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplementary watering. Water moderately but deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent excess moisture. The plant is hardy to light frosts and is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It also exhibits good tolerance to salt spray.
Fertilization is minimal; a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for native plants and low in phosphorus can be applied once or twice a year, typically in winter and spring. Pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages denser growth and more prolific flowering. Light tip pruning after the main flowering season is recommended to remove spent flowers and promote new growth, but avoid cutting into old, bare wood.
Uses and Propagation of Biscuit Plant
The Biscuit Plant is a versatile ornamental shrub. Its compact, rounded habit and vibrant pink flowers make it suitable for garden beds, rockeries, and as a low hedge or border plant. It is also an excellent choice for container planting on patios and terraces. It is known for its general resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to its low-maintenance appeal.
Propagating the Biscuit Plant is most reliably achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, or in autumn. Select healthy, non-flowering tip cuttings approximately 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) long.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix designed for cuttings, then cover them with a clear plastic bag or propagation dome to maintain humidity. Place them in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight, and roots should develop in several weeks. Propagation from seed is generally unreliable.