Pimelea prostrata aka Strathmore Weed

Pimelea prostrata, or prostrate rice flower, is native to New Zealand. It belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. This low evergreen shrub spreads into a mat. In the wild, it grows on both main islands. Its range extends from the coast to subalpine sites. It lives in dry, open places with rocky or gravelly ground. Habitats include river terraces, grassland, open shrubland and fell fields.

The plant keeps its small, egg-shaped, grey-green leaves year-round. Its low form makes it useful as ground cover. Mats reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] in height. The RHS gives a broader garden height range of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] across. They reach their full size in two to five years. White flowers grow in clusters during summer and have a scent. Each flower measures about a quarter-inch across. Small white fruits sometimes follow the blooms.

Choose a sunny spot with shelter from harsh weather. The soil should drain well and be acidic or neutral. Loam and sand suit the plant. The RHS advises outdoor sites that stay above −3°C. Its H3 rating suits mild and coastal parts of Britain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. For pots under glass, use lime-free compost with added sharp sand. This gives roots the drainage the RHS calls for. The supplied moisture guidance spans dry to moist soil.

This shrub suits rock gardens, gravel beds and coastal gardens. It also fits borders, courtyards and pots on patios. Its spreading growth can cover soil in planted beds. Plants For A Future suggests spacing plants about one foot [0.3 metres] apart. Routine pruning is not needed. To raise new plants, sow seed in spring. Keep the seed containers in a cold frame. The RHS reports few disease problems with this species. Red spider mites may cause trouble in dry glasshouses.

Plants For A Future records the fruit as edible, raw or cooked. The fruits may be fleshy or dry and are very small. That source gives their food value a low rating. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It records no medicinal uses for the plant. Its main stated garden use is as ground cover.