Tall Mulla Mulla

~ Ptilotus exaltatus ~

Gumbarli-jiruna in the Yindjibarndi language

AMARANTHACEAE

These gorgeous fluffy pink blooms are in striking contrast to the rough red earth of their arid environments. They base their seasonal activities on weather conditions, hiding out if rain is scarce or filling a whole field for months if moisture is plentiful. Tall Mulla Mulla is a hardy plant and makes a great addition to your garden, bringing in bees and butterflies.

WHERE TO LOOK

Tall Mulla Mulla is known to pop up in abundance in rural areas after rainfall and prefers arid and semi-arid conditions. It can be found in all mainland states from coast to coast in Acacia shrublands, Eucalypt woodlands and grasslands, enjoying the company of Gums, Mallees, grasses and Grass Trees.

Locations → Queensland: Diamantina River Road; SA: Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park; WA: Millstream Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park; NT: Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

FEATURES

The tallest of the Mulla Mullas, this herb grows 1.5m tall with pink feather-duster flower heads 3–20cm tall. Its leathery green leaves sometimes present as blue-green with reddish tones, and climb all the way from the base of the long stem to the flower head, gradually getting smaller as they climb. Small nut-like fruit are dispersed.

FLOWERING SEASON

Autumn to spring → The Mulla Mulla can be a perennial or annual with its pink blooms seen from April until November.

PLANTING

Although it’s a relatively short-lived plant, it is drought hardy and will bring vibrancy and texture to your garden. It prefers a sunny spot with well-drained sandy soils. Mulla Mulla can be grown in plenty through the garden or alone in a pot. Seeds are available online and require no pre-treatment. Sow in spring or autumn in temperate environments to have seeds pop up in one to four weeks.