Japanese name: プチロータス Scientific name:Ptilotus exaltatus
[Overview]
A short-lived perennial about 1 m tall, native to the arid regions of Australia, but because it is sensitive to cold it is treated as an annual in cold regions.
The stem is erect and hairless.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptic-lanceolate, thick and tinged with bluish green, with entire margins.
A conical to cylindrical spike 10–15 cm long and about 5 cm across is produced at the stem tip, densely covered with flowers.
The perianth is about 2 cm long and purplish pink, and because the outside is densely covered with fine white hairs, the whole flower spike looks feathery.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by stem cuttings.
The optimum temperature is about 20–25°C for both germination and growth.
To overwinter it, pot it, bring it into a warm place indoors, and keep it on the dry side.
It prefers sun, good ventilation and well-drained soil, and dislikes heat and humidity.
During long rainy spells, move it to a place out of the rain.
Take care not to overwater; for potted plants, water thoroughly after the soil surface has dried well, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks during the growing period.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
