Red-stemmed Ozothamnus Plant Care

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus (Ozothamnus rufescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ozothamnus genus. Red-stemmed Ozothamnus is native to the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Red-stemmed Ozothamnus is also known as Ozothamnus rufescens.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red-stemmed Ozothamnus produces small, daisy-like flowers in clusters of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red-stemmed Ozothamnus every 7–14 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.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ozothamnus rufescens tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Red-stemmed Ozothamnus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Red-stemmed Ozothamnus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red-stemmed Ozothamnus 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.

Prune Red-stemmed Ozothamnus 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.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine everlasting plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus 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.

Red-stemmed Ozothamnus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Red-stemmed Ozothamnus is native to the states of New South Wales and Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Red-stemmed Ozothamnus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.