Flower Library
Rice Flower
Ozothamnus · Asteraceae
The rice flower fully deserves its name: its clusters consist of hundreds of tiny, firm buds that look like scattered grains of rice in white or pink. It is one of the most structural filler flowers there is and lasts remarkably long, fresh or dried. Whenever the season is on, we like to bring it back from the Veiling Rhein-Maas — it elevates any boho bouquet.
- Season
- April – May – June – July
- Vase life
- 10–16 days
- Latin name
- Ozothamnus
- Colors
- White, Cream white, Pink, Dusky pink
Botanically ozothamnus belongs to the strawflower family (Helichrysum kin), which explains its drying qualities: the bud casings are papery and firm, keeping shape and colour even without water. The trade mainly carries selections of Ozothamnus diosmifolius in white and several pinks, often under the English name rice flower.
Its particular charm is that the rice flower is sold and used at the bud stage — the little spheres barely open further, remaining as a pearly texture. That makes it extremely predictable: what you tie still looks almost the same a week later.
In floristry it is a structural filler with a role similar to gypsophila but an entirely different character: denser, more graphic, with a touch of wild shrub. It has been a fixture of boho and natural-style bridal bouquets for years, combined with eucalyptus, roses and dried grasses.
One thing to know: the needle-like foliage of the rice flower wilts before the buds do and starts to give off a scent when short of water — not unpleasant, but noticeable. Strip the stems well and refresh the water regularly and you will have no trouble.
For drying, ozothamnus is a safe bet: hung upside down, the clusters keep their shape and much of their colour for months. Many of our customers never take apart a fading bouquet containing rice flower — they simply let the whole thing dry.
Is Rice Flower toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
No toxic effects are known for the rice flower; it is considered harmless to cats, dogs and children. Given the limited data on this Australian wild plant, it is still best not left within nibbling reach.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Recut the woody stems at an angle, shortening them by one to two centimetres.
- 02Generously strip the needle-like foliage from the lower part.
- 03Place in plenty of fresh water and check the level daily.
- 04Change the water every two to three days.
- 05Keep cool and airy, away from harsh sun.
- 06To dry, hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry place.
Frequently asked
- Why is it called rice flower?
- The flower clusters consist of hundreds of tiny, firm buds that are strikingly reminiscent of rice grains in shape and size — especially in the white varieties. The trade names rice flower and Reisblume simply describe that image.
- How long does rice flower last in the vase?
- Bought fresh, ozothamnus lasts a good ten to sixteen days — the firm buds age very slowly. Usually the foliage gives out first, not the flower, which is why well-stripped stems last longest.
- Is rice flower toxic to cats or dogs?
- No poisonings from ozothamnus are documented; the plant is considered harmless to cats, dogs and children. As it is an imported wild plant with limited data, it is still wise not to let pets nibble on it.
- Is rice flower suitable for dried bouquets?
- Outstandingly so. As a relative of the strawflower it practically dries itself, keeps shape and colour for months and hardly sheds. That makes it one of the most reliable fresh flowers for crossing over into dried floristry.