Ozothamnus diosmifolius
sago flower
Overview
Ozothamnus diosmifolius is an evergreen shrub growing 3-8 feet (1-2.5 m) tall and 3-6 feet (1-1.8 m) wide, with erect, densely branched stems. The narrow linear leaves are 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, crowded along the stems, dark green above and grey-woolly beneath, with margins rolled under. Stems and crushed foliage are aromatic. Tiny flower heads about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide are packed into rounded terminal clusters 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across; the papery bracts are white, or pink in bud, surrounding small cream florets. Flowering occurs in spring. The dried flower clusters hold their form and colour for several weeks, and the species is grown commercially as a cut flower. Growth is rapid, with seedlings reaching flowering size in 2-3 years. Plants are relatively short-lived, becoming woody and sparse at the base after 5-8 years, and are prone to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, mainly New South Wales and southern Queensland, with scattered occurrences in Victoria. Grows on hillsides, ridges, and disturbed ground in well-drained sandy and clay-loam soils, from coastal areas to the tablelands.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and low-water gardens and as an informal screen, spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) apart. Cultivated commercially and in home gardens for cut and dried flowers. The short lifespan and need for sharp drainage limit its use in formal or heavy-soil plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, principally August to November in eastern Australia, with the heaviest display through September and October. The bracted heads stay colourful for 4-6 weeks on the plant. Flowering is reduced in shaded positions and in the first year after hard pruning.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink in budFoliage Description
dark green with grey undersideGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Grows in full sun in light, free-draining sandy or loam soils, and tolerates brief dry periods once established. Established plants drop leaves prematurely during extended drought. Root rot develops rapidly in wet or compacted soils and is the main cause of plant loss. Tip pruning from an early age limits the woody, bare-based habit that develops with age. Aphids and scale may cluster on new growth. Most plants are replaced after 5-8 years as they decline.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering, cutting the spent flowering stems back by up to one third, maintains a compact shape. Hard pruning into bare old wood often fails to reshoot. Regular tip pruning of young plants delays the open, woody habit of older specimens.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons