Ozothamnus: The Rice Flower for Bouquets and Dried Decor

View full-size photo

Ozothamnus is called the rice flower because of its dense clusters of tiny round buds that look like grains of rice. This Australian plant adds a delicate texture to bouquets, lasts well in a vase and turns into a dried flower with no fuss. Here is what ozothamnus looks like, what florists pair it with and how fresh, dried and preserved versions differ.

What is ozothamnus

Ozothamnus diosmifolius is an evergreen shrub of the daisy family native to eastern Australia. It has narrow, needle-like leaves and stems topped with dense clusters of hundreds of buds. Ozothamnus is most decorative in bud — white, cream or pink; the open florets are tiny, fluffy and white-yellow. It is grown for cutting in warm-climate countries, so florists have it seasonally.

What to pair ozothamnus with

Ozothamnus is a textural filler that softens large blooms:

• with pink and cream roses and lisianthus for soft, romantic bouquets;
• with leucadendron, proteas and eucalyptus for an Australian-style bouquet;
• with statice and bunny tails for dried arrangements.

Pink ozothamnus with white flowers is a popular choice for wedding buttonholes and bridesmaids’ wrist corsages.

Vase life and drying

Fresh ozothamnus lasts 1–2 weeks in a vase: trim the stems, strip the lower leaves and change the water every 2–3 days. It dries with almost no loss of shape, so when the bouquet fades you can hang the stems upside down in a dry, dark place — in 1–2 weeks you will have a dried flower.

View full-size photoOzothamnus in bud is most decorative for floristry.

Dried or preserved: what is the difference

• Dried ozothamnus is air-dried: it is brittle and its colour fades over time.
• Preserved ozothamnus is treated with a glycerine-based solution that replaces the moisture in its tissues. The stems stay soft and flexible and are often dyed terracotta, blush or other colours. It is used in interior arrangements, wreaths and decor meant to last for months.

Do not water preserved plants or put them in water; keep them away from direct sun and humidity.

More bouquet flowers and greenery are in our florist’s glossary.

FAQ

Why is ozothamnus called rice flower?

Because of its tiny round buds in dense clusters, which look like grains of rice from a distance.

How long does preserved ozothamnus last?

Away from direct sun and humidity, from several months to a year or more.

Can I put preserved ozothamnus in water?

No. Water ruins preserved plants — keep them dry.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →