Ozothamnus spp.
rice flower
Overview
Ozothamnus spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Asteraceae, native to Australia and New Zealand, where the plants grow in heath, open woodland, and subalpine sites. Forms range from compact shrubs 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m) tall to upright shrubs reaching 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m). The small, narrow leaves are 0.1 to 1 inch (3 to 25 mm) long, often crowded along the stems, with rolled margins and a resinous, aromatic coating that scents the foliage when crushed. Numerous tiny flower heads, each only 0.1 to 0.2 inch (2 to 5 mm) wide, gather into dense flattened or rounded clusters at the branch tips; the surrounding papery bracts are white, cream, or pink and hold their form as the heads dry, the trait behind the everlasting name. The dry one-seeded fruits carry a tuft of bristles for wind dispersal. Most species grow on well-drained, low-nutrient soils in full sun and tolerate wind and coastal exposure. Several are damaged by hard frost and by wet, poorly drained ground in winter. The genus is closely related to Helichrysum spp. and Cassinia spp., and species have been moved among these groups.
Native Range
Ozothamnus spp. is native to Australia and New Zealand, with the greatest number of species in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. Plants grow in heathland, dry open forest, coastal scrub, and subalpine slopes on well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Ozothamnus spp. is grown in native, coastal, and water-wise gardens, in mixed shrub borders, and as low informal hedging in frost-free climates. The dried flower clusters are cut for fresh and everlasting arrangements. Compact species are used in containers and on dry banks.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 8'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, roughly November to February in the native southern hemisphere range, with timing shifting by species and altitude. The papery flower clusters hold their color for several weeks and dry on the plant. Crushed foliage and the long-lasting bracts extend the period of interest beyond the bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, cream, or pinkFoliage Description
green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most Ozothamnus spp. species grow in full sun on light, sharply drained soils and tolerate wind, salt spray, and short dry spells once established. They decline on heavy clay and in waterlogged winter ground, which causes root rot. Feeding is kept light, as the genus is adapted to low-nutrient soils. Plants suit warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates, and hardiness to frost varies by species. Steady air circulation reduces fungal problems in humid summers.Pruning
A trim after flowering keeps growth dense and removes the spent, dried flower clusters. Cutting back lightly into leafy stems each year prevents the shrubs from opening out and becoming woody at the base. Old bare wood resprouts poorly, so hard renewal cuts are avoided.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons