Pink Mulla Mulla

(Ptilotus exaltatus)

Pink Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus exaltatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ptilotus exaltatus, commonly known as Pink Mulla Mulla, is an evergreen perennial herb native to arid and semi-arid regions, including plains and rocky outcrops in Australia. It is one of the largest erect species among the Mulla Mullas, reaching heights of around 1.2 meters, with an average height of 60–80 centimeters. The foliage is leathery, ranging from light green to blue-green, with occasional reddish tones, and covers the stem up to the flower spike. The plant initially forms a rosette, with leaves closely spaced along the stem. From April to November, Ptilotus exaltatus produces large, conical flower heads up to 10 centimeters long, featuring purple-pink flowers with thin, pointed petals surrounded by white fluffy hairs, which are quite showy and attract pollinators.

Pink Mulla Mulla is valued for its vibrant colors and strong stems, making it a popular choice for Australian gardens due to its adaptability to local conditions. It is also used in rockeries, as a border plant, and for cut flowers due to its striking appearance. The plant is drought-tolerant, requiring full sun or part shade and soils with fast drainage. While it can grow year-round in its native Australian habitat, it is less hardy in colder climates, with a growing season from late spring to early autumn in Central Europe. The Pink Mulla Mulla is beneficial for attracting bees and butterflies, thus enhancing garden biodiversity. However, gardeners should be aware that it may not survive cold winters outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Very Low, Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to arid and semi-arid regions, including plains and rocky outcrops in Australia

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Ptilotus exaltatus, Ptilotus alopecuroideus, Trichinium alopecuroideum, Trichinium exaltatum, Trichinium candicans, Trichinium conicum, Trichinium macrocephalum, Trichinium pallidum, Trichinium preissii,

GBIF Accepted Name: Ptilotus exaltatus Nees