# Pink Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus exaltatus)

Australian native seed packet from Native Seed Co.

- Price: A$12.00 per 1 packet, AUD incl. GST
- Availability: in stock
- Shop page: https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/537
- SKU: NSC-537
- Packet contents: approx. 30 seeds
- Customer rating: 5.0 / 5 from 1 customer review

Often seen across vast areas of arid and semi-arid Australia, Pink Mulla Mulla is an iconic native with feathery flower stems and pink to purple flowers, a herb presenting a vibrant display against the often barren landscapes it thrives in. Pink mulla mulla grows to about 1m. These seeds are covered in a feathery plume that makes up the flower spike. Inside is the actual seed (1-1.5mm, dark red/black). We recommend rubbing the fluffy coat away to expose the seed before sowing. Sow in spring to early summer — or in subtropical and tropical Australia, sow in autumn or winter instead (humidity kills this plant faster than cold does).

## Growing specifications

- Origin: Arid and semi-arid inland Australia, all mainland states
- Form: perennial (short-lived perennial); height about 1 m
- Sun: full sun
- Soil: sandy, gravel, loam
- Drought tolerance: high
- Frost: light frost only
- Coastal / salt tolerant: no
- Suited climates: arid, semi-arid, mediterranean, temperate
- Flowering season: spring, summer, autumn
- Sowing season: spring, autumn
- Germination: 14–35 days
- Seed pre-treatment: rub the fluffy plume off the seed
- Attracts: native bees, butterflies
- Garden uses: cut flower, dried flower, pots, dry garden
- Notes: Highly susceptible to root rot, so sharp drainage is critical; keep fertility low. Sow spring to early summer, but in subtropical and tropical Australia sow autumn or winter instead — humidity kills it faster than cold does.

## Highlights

- Feathery pink to purple flower spikes on a herb about 1m tall
- An icon of arid and semi-arid Australia
- Rub the fluffy plume away to expose the seed before sowing
- Needs sharp drainage — highly prone to root rot

Also known as: Tall Mulla Mulla, Large Pink Pussy-tails, Lambs Tail, Showy Foxtail.

## Seed facts

- Seed: Seeds are often enclosed within the fluffy flower remnants. An iconic, drought-tolerant desert plant that produces striking, feathery purple-pink flower spikes. Highly susceptible to root rot, making excellent drainage critical.
- Sowing depth: Surface sow or barely cover (1mm).
- Mix: Highly free-draining, sandy or gravelly native mix.
- Timing: Spring or autumn.
- Germination: Warm temperatures and full sun.
- Moisture: Keep lightly moist until emergence, then reduce watering drastically.
- Timeline: 14–35 days.

## How to sow

1. Rub the fluffy plume away between your fingers to expose the seed — 1–1.5mm, dark red to black.
2. Fill a tray or pot with a highly free-draining sandy or gravelly native mix.
3. Surface sow, or barely cover with 1mm of mix, and put it in a warm position in full sun.
4. Keep lightly moist until seedlings emerge in 14–35 days, then reduce watering drastically.
5. Sow spring to early summer. In subtropical and tropical Australia sow in autumn or winter instead — humidity kills this plant faster than cold does.
6. Thin or plant out 30–40cm apart in a hot, open position with excellent drainage.

## Care

- Water sparingly once established — root rot is the usual cause of failure.
- Thrives in sandy or gravelly ground; never plant into heavy or wet soil.
- No fertiliser needed — it prefers low-nutrient soils.
- Cut the spikes for fresh or dried arrangements; they hold their colour well.
- In humid, summer-rainfall districts grow it in a pot where drainage can be controlled.
- Self-seeds in ideal conditions for natural spreading.

## Recent customer reviews

- 5/5, M.B: "Classic and really vibrant"

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