Radiance Rice Flower

Radiance Rice Flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius 'Radiance') is a native shrub with fine, rosemary-like foliage that grows 1.5m to 2m tall and about 1m wide. Large heads of small button flowers open from cherry-red buds to white, giving a two-tone effect, and in a frost-free site they can keep coming for twelve months. It suits informal hedges, screens and cottage borders, and it loves coastal conditions.

Why you'll love it

• Red buds, white flowers. The flower heads start as cherry-red buds and open white, so each cluster is a bicolour mix.
• Flowers almost all year. In a frost-free site the button flowers can carry on for twelve months, which few shrubs can match.
• Made for the coast. It thrives in coastal conditions, so exposed seaside gardens suit it.
• Long-lasting cut flower. The papery clusters of buds last for a long time in a vase of water.
• Pollinators love it. Native rice flowers are a great draw for pollinators, which is good news for the whole garden.

Where it works best

Informal hedge or screen. Plant 80cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the shrubs close into a soft screen of 1.5m to 2m in a couple of seasons.

Coastal gardens. It loves coastal conditions, so it is a good choice for seaside boundaries and exposed gardens.

Cottage gardens and cutting beds. Plant it into mixed borders for year-round interest, or grow a few for cut flowers.

Growing Radiance Rice Flower in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun or a partly shaded position. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens and flowers longest in a frost-free site. Coastal conditions suit it, which is why it works so well near the sea.

Soil. Free-draining soil on the acid side. It dislikes wet feet, so avoid low spots and take care not to overwater.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then water only in extended dry periods. Fertilise with a native slow release fertiliser after trimming.

Pruning. Trim after flowering to keep the shape dense. Take soft growth only, as the shrub reshoots poorly from old bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Radiance Rice Flower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, fine-leaved plant that thickens through its first growing season. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native shrubs
• Plants for coastal areas
• Hedging and screening plants
• Attracting wildlife with a native garden

Common questions

How tall does it grow?

About 1.5m to 2m tall and 1m wide. Trimming after flowering keeps it dense.

Will it flower all year?

It can, in a frost-free site. Flowers appear almost all year, and in places with frost the season is shorter.

Can I cut the flowers?

Yes. The papery flower clusters are long-lasting cut flowers and keep well in water.