Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) Ptilotus exaltatus
Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) (Ptilotus exaltatus) is an annual flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Arid and semi-arid mainland Australia. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Arid and semi-arid mainland Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla)
- How far apart should I plant Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pink mulla mulla (tall mulla mulla). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- Fluffy, silky cones of pink flowers above grey leaves, covering the outback after rain. Short-lived; the compact selection ‘Joey’ is sold as a summer bedding plant in Europe and North America.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea