Ozothamnus diosmifolius (rice flower)

Japanese name: ライスフラワー
Scientific name: Ozothamnus diosmifolius

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub about 2 m tall.
It branches well, and the branches are hairy.
Leaves are simple and alternate, linear, 10–15 mm long and 1–2 mm wide, with margins rolled toward the underside.
Many small flower heads 2–3 mm across are borne in corymbs at the branch tips.
The flower heads have no ray florets and consist only of white tubular florets.
The involucral bracts are sometimes tinged pink.
The fruit is an achene.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers a sunny, airy site and well-drained, well-aerated soil.
It dislikes heat, humidity and strong direct sunlight in summer, so in summer move it to a cool, airy place in partial shade.
Keep it out of the rain during the rainy season and the autumn long rains.
In areas without frost, it can overwinter under eaves or similar places out of the cold wind.
In cold regions, bring it indoors to a sunny spot in winter.
It can be kept slightly on the dry side; water thoroughly after the soil in the pot has dried all the way through.
Use fertilizer sparingly, and in spring and autumn place organic fertilizer such as oil cake on the soil.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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