The Story
Plant Bio
Ozothamnus ferrugineus, the tree everlasting, is an upright, much-branched evergreen shrub native to southeastern Australia that reaches heights of six to sixteen feet. The narrow, dark green leaves are glossy above and densely felted with creamy-white hairs beneath, releasing an aromatic scent when handled.
In summer, the branchlets terminate in broad, flat clusters of small, papery white to yellow-green daisy flowerheads. The sticky, resinous new growth is light green, providing a distinct color contrast against the mature, dark foliage.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
197"
Width
157"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
10-20 years
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic (resins may irritate skin)
Bloom period
Late spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in a full sun to partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
- Prune the branch tips lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and prevent legginess.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after the summer bloom to maintain a dense, bushy form; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry summer spells.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded habit.
- Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer if supplemental feeding is necessary.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as it will fail to regenerate.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for extended periods.
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where standing water persists.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tree Everlasting questions
What zones can Tree Everlasting grow in?
Tree Everlasting is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Tree Everlasting deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Tree Everlasting, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Tree Everlasting bloom?
Tree Everlasting typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tree Everlasting need full sun?
Tree Everlasting does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tree Everlasting with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.