Ptilotus Exalt Joey

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaranthaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Ptilotus

Species

exaltatus

Description

An unusual, lively and whimsical ornamental plant, compact and erect in habit. It displays vaporous inflorescences in the form of feathery plumes, which are long-lasting and scenic, rising above the green foliage from mid-spring until late summer and can also be used cut into flower arrangements. Easily managed, it is ideal for outdoor ponds or, in landscaping, to decorate flower beds and summer borders, even in compositions with other species.

Variety description

Itis a unique and extravagant plant, with its many unusual grey plumes with fuchsia tips. The plume can be caressed to give a unique feeling of softness. It loves heat and fears excess water. It should therefore be placed in full sun in beds or tubs mixed with other flowering plants. The effect of the breeze swaying the plumes above the foliage is beautiful. It flowers for 4-5 months.

Curiosities and special features

The generic term derives from the Greek 'ptilon' meaning down or feathers in reference to the appearance of the flowers while the specific epithet exaltatus derives from Latin and means very tall, elevated, relating to the bearing of the inflorescences above the foliage.

Studies have shown that P. exaltatus can thrive in a high phosphorus environment without showing toxicity stress. The species is also used in naturopathy.

Origin and distribution

The species exaltatus is one of the best known of the genus Ptilotus, native to the arid and semi-arid zones of central Australia, it was first described in the 1800s but catalogued in the 1900s; today it is found in warm-temperate European ranges.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, clustered in a conspicuous panicle-like inflorescence up to 12/15 cm long that stands erect, prevailing over the vegetation with a strong decorative effect.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer and lasts between 120 and 140 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.4 m, visually enhanced by the spectacular inflorescences.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Mainly used to provide a scenic accent focal point in flower beds, outdoor tubs, borders

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pon-shaped, small, with a tubular corolla and shaded petals. It is arranged in medium-sized panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 140 days. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing variety.

Plant habit

The habit is erect, generating a pleasing array of light inflorescences that prevail over the light foliage.

Branching

The branching tendency is medium.

PH

The optimal pH conditions of the soil or substrate are sub-acidic, between 5.5 and 5.8.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in late spring into the bed, carry out a deep digging operation of approximately 20 cm, removing any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky stones. It is also advisable to distribute approx. 5/10 cm of professional substrate on the surface and carefully level off by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

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Sun exposure

It develops better, expressing an excellent flowering, if exposed in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C; suitable for temperate climates.

Use

Appreciated for its spectacular blooms, it is widely used as a plant in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A plant of medium hardiness.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured or sandy soil; for use in pots and planters a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Itis considered an easy plant to grow and maintain, the level of management effort is low giving it an added value appreciated by growers, gardeners and green enthusiasts.

Growing tips

For better vegetative growth, it is recommended to

Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

To create perspective effects and landscape views in flowerbeds, it can be used in composition with other ornamentals such as Begonia semperflorens, Lobularia x hybrida, Pentas lanceolata, Rudbeckia hirta.

Planting

As with any ornamental bedding species, planting should be done at a suitable density in order to ensure the expression of the best vigour in growth, thus obtaining proportionate and visually harmonious final effects; we therefore recommend an average planting density of 20 plants per square metre. We also suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the root ball completely, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Mainly by apical cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively water from the aqueduct respecting sub-acidic pH requirements, either manually or by irrigation.

Take care to allow the soil to dry out slightly between one watering and the next without causing the plant to dry out or wither. In addition, it is advisable to avoid excessive waterlogging, even in the initial stages following transplanting, in order to prevent collar rot.

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Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental Species to the Soil/medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the Irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

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Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity to pets not known; do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

In greenhouse cultivation, absolutely avoid going below 10°C. Keep the soil tendentially dry to encourage rapid rooting and avoid growth slowdowns or, in the worst cases, collar rot. It is advisable to top the seedling at 5-6 nodes for best branching. When cultivating Ptilotus in the summer in flowerbeds or planters, it is recommended not to over-water it, even in summer, as the plant's collar could rot. A slight wilting of the leaves is well tolerated and helps the plant to remain strong and robust.