
Photo: Ghislain118 (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.netCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Ozothamnus hookeri Plant Care
Helichrysum baccharoides F.Muell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ozothamnus hookeri, commonly known as kerosene bush, is an aromatic shrub species, endemic to Australia. It grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and has white-tomentose branchlets. The scale-like leaves are 4 to 5 mm long and 0.5 to 1 mm wide. These are green on the upper surface, and white tomentose below. The flower heads appear in dense clusters in summer and autumn The species occurs in boggy sites and subalpine heathland New South Wales and Tasmania.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ozothamnus hookeri?
Plant Ozothamnus hookeri in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ozothamnus hookeri Native To?
What Is the Ozothamnus hookeri?
Ozothamnus hookeri (Helichrysum baccharoides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Helichrysum genus. Ozothamnus hookeri is native to Australia.
Ozothamnus hookeri displays a compact, bushy habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ozothamnus hookeri produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Water a young or newly planted Ozothamnus hookeri every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Ozothamnus hookeri Need?
Ozothamnus hookeri thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ozothamnus hookeri Prefer?
Helichrysum baccharoides tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Ozothamnus hookeri prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Ozothamnus hookeri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Feed Ozothamnus hookeri every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Ozothamnus hookeri is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Ozothamnus hookeri can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Prune Ozothamnus hookeri while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Ozothamnus hookeri in Winter?
Ozothamnus hookeri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Ozothamnus hookeri?
Ozothamnus hookeri can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cotton everlasting plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ozothamnus hookeri Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ozothamnus hookeri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ozothamnus hookeri?
Ozothamnus hookeri is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ozothamnus hookeri Need?
Ozothamnus hookeri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ozothamnus hookeri is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Ozothamnus hookeri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ozothamnus hookeri is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Helichrysum genus — compare its care with other Helichrysum species on PlantoScan.
Helichrysum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Ozothamnus hookeri thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Helichrysum Species
Other Helichrysum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Helichrysum baccharoides F.Muell., family Asteraceae (first published in Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 5 1865) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ozothamnus hookeri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ghislain118 (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
