Species kerosene bush
clusters of creamy-pale, small, dense flowers with feathery, green, small leaves

kerosene bush

Ozothamnus ledifolius

Kerosene bush (Ozothamnus ledifolius) is a dense evergreen shrub that grows up to 3m high. Dark green leaves appear throughout the year and are covered in white downy hairs. It produces small white flowers during spring which are usually followed by white berries. This species is found throughout southeastern Australia, and prefers to grow in dry habitats. It is often used in horticulture as a low hedge or border around a property, or as an ideal choice for coastal erosion control as it is durable in salty winds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Watering for kerosene bush should be moderate and be done when the soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Water thoroughly at every irrigation, so that the water permeates the entire root zone. Depending on the weather conditions, kerosene bush should be watered every 7-10 days. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the plant may need to be watered more frequently. As a guideline, use approximately 1 gallon (4 L) of water for every 3 square feet (0.3 sq. m) of soil around the roots.

sunlight

Kerosene bush (Ozothamnus ledifolius) requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. If grown in full sun, the bush will produce the most vibrant flowers and foliage. If grown in partial shade, the flowers and foliage may be less vibrant but the plant should still thrive. It is best to provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day and should be placed in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. The kerosene bush is a hardy species and can withstand both low water environments and moderately cold weather.

pruning

Ozothamnus ledifolius, or kerosene bush, should be pruned moderately during late summer after flowering. Pruning should involve trimming back shoots and light thinning of the canopy to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This will promote new growth and healthy foliage and will help prevent overcrowding of branches. Prune no more than 1-third of the plant's foliage and always leave some of the natural shape of the plant for the best overall effect. Doing too much pruning will damage the plant. The kerosene bush is a low-maintenance plant and does not need annual or frequent pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Kerosene bush typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Kerosene bush typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map