Grey Everlasting
Ozothamnus obcordatus
A hardy native shrub with delicate charm, Ozothamnus obcordatus — Grey Everlasting — brings visual texture, fragrance and resilience to Australian gardens. This compact, long-lived species is valued for its attractive grey-green foliage, golden button-like flower heads, and minimal care requirements. A favourite for native borders, rockeries, and commercial cut flower growers alike.
- Native to NSW, VIC, TAS | 1.5 m H × 1.2 m W
- Clusters of golden-yellow button flowers | Late spring to summer
- Attractive glossy green to silver-grey foliage
- Drought and frost tolerant | Full sun to part shade
- Suitable for dry gardens, rocky slopes and ornamental beds
- Excellent for floral arrangements – fresh or dried
- Leaves can be used dried as a thyme-like culinary herb
In the Garden
Grey Everlasting is a versatile shrub ideal for low-maintenance gardens, coastal sites and dry inland settings. Naturally found in dry sclerophyll forests and open woodlands of southeastern Australia and Tasmania, it grows readily in sandy, rocky or loamy soils with good drainage. The glossy grey-green foliage is attractive year-round and forms a neat, upright shape that responds well to light pruning. Bright yellow, button-like flower clusters appear from late spring into summer and are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut flowers.
Cultivation Notes
Plant in a sunny to lightly shaded position with free-draining soil. Once established, Ozothamnus obcordatus is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal irrigation. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape and promote heavier blooming the following year.
Edible & Ecological Uses
The aromatic leaves, when dried, have a thyme-like flavour and can be used as a seasoning in savoury dishes. Its long flowering season and nectar-rich blooms also support beneficial insects and pollinators, making it a useful companion plant in ecological gardens.
Commercial Potential
A reliable and elegant option for commercial flower growers, Ozothamnus obcordatus is gaining popularity as a durable, long-lasting filler in native bouquets and dried floral arrangements. Its attractive silvered foliage and golden flower heads provide lasting visual appeal in arrangements and installations.
A resilient and elegant native for gardeners seeking ornamental impact, low maintenance, and subtle fragrance. Also suited to floristry, permaculture, and seasoning the stew.
