Ozothamnus diosmifolius 'Pink' (Pink Rice Flower) - This is a small, erect and open shrub to about 4-6 feet tall (sometimes larger). The leaves are small, linear in shape to about 1/2 inch long. The small flowers occur in clusters of 20 to 100 at the tips of the branches and are usually white but forms in varying shades of pink such as this one are also known.
This plant is adaptable to most well-drained soils and will grow in sun or partial shade with occasional to regular irrigation. The species is tolerant of at least moderate frost - Australian growers note mature plants being undamaged at about 28 F. It can develop a "straggly" habit in cultivation and is probably past its best after 3 seasons although annual pruning can help in maintaining it as a more attractive bush. Ozothamnus, previously called Helichrysum, is widely grown for the cut flower trade as it is long lasting in the vase and complements other, more flamboyant flowers.
The species grows naturally in coastal and near coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland and this selection was made at Rice Flower Growers, the pioneering rice flower nursery of Graham and Esther Cook in Helidon, Queensland, Australia. The name Ozothamnus is from the Greek word 'ozo', "to smell" and 'thamnos', "a shrub", referring to the smelly foliage and the species diosmifolius refers to having leaves like the genus Diosma. We first received this plant from Marlen Meyer at New World Plants USA in 2001 and have grown it since 2002.
The information about Ozothamnus diosmifolius 'Pink' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.
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