Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius

( oh - zoh - THAM - nus        rose -  mair - inn - iff - OH - lee - uss )

At-A-Glance Information

This species of small evergreen shrub, commonly called Rosemary Everlasting, Rice Flower or Sea Rosemary, does well in zones 14-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map), and needs full sun and regular water for best performance. These shrubs are native to Australia, and reach 6-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide (in 5-10 years' time) with a dense upright habit. Leaves are slender and dark green, resembling Rosemary (hence the common name), and flowers are small and white, blooming from red buds beginning in late summertime. The plant has a pleasant fragrance, especially when the weather is warm. Variety 'Silver Jubilee' has silver-toned foliage. The genus Ozothamnos incliudes about 50 species, and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The species name means 'with leaves like rosemary', and the genus name is derived from the Greek words ozos- (meaning branch) and -thamnos (meaning shrub).

Caring for and pruning ozothamnus rosmarinifolius shrubs

Grow these shrubs in full to partial sun; the more sun these shrubs receive, the better they will grow and flower. Plant in well-draining soil; these shrubs are at home in gravelly or sandy soils, and prefer a pH of between 6.1 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; be cautious with watering these shrubs, as they will have issues with root rot if the soil is too wet. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Fertilize with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring, summer, and early fall. Stop fertilizing in the wintertime when growth slows down. Pruning these shrubs is simple; trim lightly after flowering season to encourage a bushier growth and trim dead or leggy growth as needed. If you are growing these shrubs in containers, you will need to repot every 2-3 years to avoid the plant becoming too root-bound. 

Propagation

The simplest way to propagate Rosemary Everlasting is through taking cuttings in spring or early summertime. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below.

Propagating Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

These plants don't suffer from many pests or diseases, but it is still a good idea to look out for the following common issues:
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider Mites
  • Root Rot
For information on how to treat these issues, see the following links:

Gallery

The flowers in these shrubs bloom from pink buds.
The foliage resembles that of Rosemary.
These shrubs are wonderful in mixed beds.

Videos

All about Rosemary Everlasting.
An overview of these versatile small shrubs.

Resources

Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius
Wikipedia: Ozothamnus
Wikipedia: Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 468, Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​