The Genus name is derived from the Greek words ozo, meaning smell, and thamnos, meaning bush, as most members of the genus have scented foliage ranging from slightly minty to Ozothamnus ledifolius, which smells like kerosene when crushed. Many plants in this genus also have a spicy scent to their flowers.

Of approximately 53 species, 44 are endemic to Australia and are naturally found across the whole continent. They are a member of the Asteraceae family, with close investigation of the flower heads revealing up to 100 tiny daisy-like flowers. Until recently they were classified under the genus Helichrysum (Everlasting or Paper Daisy).

Most species originate from mountainous and subalpine regions. They can tolerate extreme cold, often being covered by snow over winter. Their main concern is that the soil in which they are growing is well drained and slightly on the acidic side. Otherwise they will thrive in full sun or part shade.

Commonly cultivated varieties are generally fast growing, reaching heights of 1 metre in the first year and having a very attractive form. This makes them a great plant for new garden beds. After a couple of years the slower growing plants will have established themselves and the taller Ozothamnus (up to 2.5 m) can be removed. The cut flower is commonly used by the floral industry as a subtle compliment to more ostentatious blooms. To help maintain the shape of the shrub in your garden, make the most of the cut flowers and prevent your specimen becoming open and leggy.

Flowering season is spring and summer with a choice of white, yellows, reds or pinks. Fertilize the plant lightly when planting and subsequently at the beginning of spring with a general purpose fertilizer to ensure good flowering. Water new plants well until roots are established and then only if prolonged dry periods are experienced. The plant will show you pretty quickly if it is running low on water by becoming limp at the tips. Mulching will also help; though keep rough and woody mulches away from the stem.

Propagation can be from semi hardwood cuttings or from seed but be aware that if a cultivar is propagated from seed, the colour of the mother plant may be lost. If you are propagating an alpine variety, stratify the seeds in the fridge for a fortnight before sowing to trigger germination.

Probably the most commonly cultivated form is Ozothamnus diosmifolius more commonly known as Rice Flower or Sago Flower. Found naturally from southern NSW to central Queensland, its flower heads look like a bowl of either of these foods (they don’t taste like it, though). With many different cultivars now available, there is bound to be one for you. Try O. ‘Petite’ which grows to 1m X 1m with masses of white flowers or O. ‘Radiance’ at the same height. If cut flowers are what you are after, try the taller O. ‘Benfers pink bouquet’ for pink or the basic O. diosmifolius for white. Just leave the tasting of Rice Flowers to the bees.