Matilda Ptilotus blooms from midsummer to fall. A prolific bloomer, Matilda creates a charming, colorful display with large 3- to 6-inch conical-shaped flower spikes sitting atop thick and fleshy silver-green foliage. A lovely silvery shade of lavender, the long-lasting blooms beckon to bees and butterflies in the garden or make excellent cut flowers that are gorgeous in a vase or unique additions to mixed bouquets.

A Ptilotus exaltatus variety, commonly called ptilotus, mulla mulla, pussy tails, or lamb’s tail, Matilda is a short-lived herbaceous perennial, typically grown as an annual, with an upright, mounding habit and fast growth rate. The plant grows equally well in a patio pot or the landscape. It’s an excellent option for xeriscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and rock gardens, but it’s also a perfect addition to a cottage garden or informal garden.

A tough, easy to grow, and low-maintenance plant, ptilotus grows best in a sunny location with sharply drained loose to sandy soil. The plant is heat and drought tolerant, but it is intolerant of wet feet.