‘Qualup Bell’ Pimelea physodes

The Qualup Bell is a species of Pimelea or 'Rice Flower', this variety in particular is native to Western Australia. Pimelea are not renowned for being easy to grow, and Qualup Bells is no exception. Being suited to West Australian conditions, Qualup Bells struggles to grow with our humidity, rainfall and different soil types. Luckily, some specialist nurseries such as Tarrawood on the NSW south coast are grafting Qualup Bells onto Pimelea ligustrina rootstock. Pimelea ligustrina is native to NSW, it's a fairly plain, white flowered shrub, however it is hardy in most soil types and gives some much needed toughness to Qualup Bells.

Qualup Bells is considered to be one of the most beautiful Pimeleas, and now it can be enjoyed as an ornamental in Sydney gardens. Qualup Bell is a small shrub growing to around 80cm in height, branches are fairly sparse with small elliptical leaves. The pendulous flowers are cream in colour and enclosed in large bracts which are usually cream with red or purple.

Care

It is essential that you only purchase grafted plants, the straight species is unlikely to survive in our conditions for much longer than a year. Excellent drainage is a must and full sun is ideal, protection from strong winds is also important as they may be knocked over. Feed with a native fertiliser such as Acticote for Natives or Garden Gold for natives twice a year. A light trim after flowering is the only real maintenance required.

Uses

Great cut flower and the plant will benefit from the pruning, also great in pots or any area in the garden with excellent drainage.