Sea Rosemary Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as sea rosemary is an evergreen shrub that boasts a fine texture due to its narrow, needle-like leaves which are reminiscent of the rosemary herb, hence the name. Its leaves are typically a gray-green hue that contributes to its attractive foliage. During its blooming season, sea rosemary produces clusters of small, fluffy, button-like flowers that can range in color from white to cream or even a pale yellow. These flowers are often densely packed into rounded or dome-shaped flower heads, lending a soft, textured appearance to the plant. The blooms are known to attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding a dynamic element to its presence. The overall form of sea rosemary is bushy and slightly rounded, with a dense growth habit that provides a lush appearance throughout the year, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of evergreen interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sea Rosemary, Rosemary Ozothamnus
Common names
Helichrysum rosmarinifolium, Cassinia rosmarinifolia, Helichrysum rosmarinifolius.
ToxicityTo humans
Sea mayweed toxicity to humans is not well-documented in scientific literature, and there are limited resources available that suggest significant toxic effects upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can cause adverse reactions. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, including sea mayweed, seek medical attention promptly. Symptoms of plant poisoning can vary but may include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as dizziness, headaches, or skin irritation.
To pets
Sea mayweed's toxicity to pets, such as cats and dogs, is not specifically documented, and it is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant to pets. However, pets can also have allergies or sensitivities to plants, and ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset or other allergic reactions. If you observe your pet exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal behavior after ingesting sea mayweed, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, commonly known as Sea Rosemary, is often used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Sea Rosemary is known to be highly drought-resistant, making it a suitable plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for controlling erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and food for native insects and birds, contributing to biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Sea Rosemary requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners at all skill levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, commonly known as Sea Rosemary, can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, producing subtle, earthy tones.
- The dense, fine foliage of Sea Rosemary can provide habitat and shelter for garden beneficials, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Crafted wreaths and dried flower arrangements often incorporate Sea Rosemary due to its long-lasting, evergreen foliage and small, attractive flowers.
- The aromatic quality of Sea Rosemary makes it a valued addition to potpourris and scented sachets.
- As a part of hedge mazes or topiary gardens, Sea Rosemary has a shape that can be easily trimmed and maintained for ornamental shapes.
- Using Sea Rosemary in companion planting can help protect neighboring plants from wind damage, as it serves as a windbreak.
- Enthusiasts of model scenery, such as model railways or dioramas, use the small, detailed foliage of Sea Rosemary to create miniature trees and shrubs.
- Photographers and artists sometimes utilize Sea Rosemary as a backdrop or a complementary subject due to its serene and unobtrusive greenery.
- Its resistance to coastal conditions makes Sea Rosemary an excellent choice for inlay work in landscaping nautical-themed gardens.
- For educational purposes, Sea Rosemary can demonstrate the principles of xeriscaping, helping to teach water conservation in garden design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sea Rosemary is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sea Rosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, commonly known as Sea Rosemary, typically symbolizes endurance due to its hardy and resilient nature, thriving in coastal and often challenging conditions.
- Remembrance: Similar to other rosemary plants, the Sea Rosemary can symbolize remembrance, often used in ceremonies or memorials to remember loved ones.
- Purity: The Sea Rosemary's white, delicate flowers can represent purity and innocence.
- Healing: With its aromatic properties and use in traditional medicine, the Sea Rosemary is sometimes associated with healing and the soothing of ailments.
WaterThe Sea Rose, commonly known as Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, prefers to be kept on the drier side, so it's important to water sparingly. It needs watering only when the soil has dried out completely, which might mean once every week or two, depending on the climate and season. When you do water, ensure that you provide enough to moisten the soil thoroughly which might be about 1 gallon for an established plant in landscape. Avoid waterlogging as the Sea Rose does not tolerate standing water well. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightSea Rose thrives in full sun conditions, benefiting from at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it can receive unfiltered sunshine for most of the day. It's resilient to bright conditions, so positioning it in the brightest part of your garden will encourage the best growth and flowering.
TemperatureThe Sea Rose can withstand relatively wide temperature ranges, with the minimum being around 20°F and the maximum not exceeding over 100°F for extended periods. Ideally, maintaining temperatures between 60°F and 80°F will promote healthy growth. Bear in mind that while it can survive brief cold spells, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
PruningPruning the Sea Rose is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging new growth. Trim it back after the flowering season has finished, usually in the late summer or early autumn. Pruning can be done annually to remove any dead or diseased branches and to promote a more compact, bushy appearance. Cut back up to one-third of the plant's height to keep it vibrant and well-structured.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sea Rose, or Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 5.5 and 7. A good soil mix for the Sea Rose would be a blend of loamy soil, coarse sand, and peat for moisture retention, ensuring good aeration and drainage.
RepottingSea Rose plants, known commonly as Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, should be repotted every two to three years to prevent root crowding. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, annually or biennially, due to quicker growth rates.
Humidity & MistingThe Sea Rose, or Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, prefers moderate humidity levels and tolerates dry air well, but it should not be too low to avoid stressing the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sea Rose in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Sea Rose in sun to part shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleOzothamnus rosmarinifolius, commonly known as Sea Rosemary, begins its life cycle through seed germination, which is enhanced by warm temperatures and occurs in well-drained soils. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, exhibiting the fine, needle-like leaves that give the plant its common name resemblance to rosemary. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, forming compact shrubs that can grow to be about 2 meters tall. During spring and summer, Sea Rosemary produces clusters of small, scented, fluffy white or pink flowers that attract pollinators, crucial for the reproductive stage. After pollination, the flowers develop into small dry fruits containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animal activity. The plant is able to regenerate from the base after events such as fire, completing the life cycle by resprouting from its woody structure.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, commonly known as Sea Rosemary, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late summer to early fall, when the plant's growth begins to slow and the stems are not too tender or too woody. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is snipped from a healthy stem, making sure it contains several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
