waxflower

Waxflower Plants Types, How to Grow and Care

Sharing is caring!

The Waxflower plant is known for being a great starter plant for beginner gardeners. This blooming shrub belongs to the Myrtle family of plants and it’s so hardy that it prefers to be left alone to thrive. 

The Chamelaucium uncinatum, as it is scientifically known (its name means “hooked”) flowers throughout the winter and spring. In fact, the peak of this flower’s blooms are during the dead season of winter, when all of the other plants have given up.

These plants were discovered by French botanist Rene Louiche Defontaines in 1819. These plants have five petals in all kinds of shades, and it’s easy to grow new plants by home propagation – it takes just a few weeks!

This flower’s petals are red, orange, light pink and deep purple, and it has a dark green foliage with needle-like, long stems.

Continue reading and discover the magic behind waxflower plants.

Basic Facts about Waxflower Plants

  • The Chamelaucium uncinatum is native to Australia, although it easily adapts to hot, dry regions all over the world. Moreover, they are frost hardy as well, as they will survive low-temperatures during the winter.
  • This shrub produces flowers non-stop. As a result, they are often used as an ornamental plant, especially in flower arrangements. What’s more, they grow very quickly, as they only take around 3 weeks to start sprouting.
  • They can grow up to 6 feet in height. 
  • This flower releases a sweet scent.
  • As its name suggests, this flower’s petals have a waxy feel.
  • Waxflower plants are known for their deep symbolism, representing everything from lasting success to ever-lasting love.
white waxflower

How To Grow Waxflower

Growing wax flowers is perfect for gardeners who have a busy schedule with hundreds of things to do. If you want to grow these native Australia plants, here are some general tips.

Soil Needs

They prefer well-drained soil as they cannot tolerate puddles of water. Waxflower plants like dry conditions so good drainage in your containers is key.

If you find that your soil is all the heavier side, feel free to add sand to help your new plants thrive.

They need to be fed with organic matter, if not, they will take more time to bloom. However, this plant likes sandy soil, as they tend to grow on the coast of Western Australia.

Sun Exposure

Even though this flower prefers dry climates, they can thrive throughout the hard winter months too. Keep in mind that they need to be placed directly under the sun, so they can get full exposure in the early to late winter months.

The rest of the year, don’t worry about placing your waxflower plants in direct sun – partial shade is perfectly fine through the early spring and into the summer.

Water Requirements

red waxflower

If the climate is too hot, then this plant must be watered regularly. Once the plant has established itself, it is advisable to water occasionally only, as soon as you start feeling the soil is getting dry.

If there are extreme weather conditions, then you will need to water thoroughly.

Common Types of Waxflower

The most common type of waxflower is called the ‘’Geraldton Wax’’. It is scientifically known as Chamelaucium Uncinatum, and it is the most cultivated variety. 

In addition, the following varieties are also grown now, which are as follows:

Axillare Waxflowers

Also referred to as “esperance waxflower,” it grows up to 7 feet in height, and it has pink, red, and white blossoms that bloom continuously during the summer. 

Brevifolium Waxflower Plants

This variety will only grow up to 4 feet in height, making it one of the smallest Chamelaucium. It produces white flowers that are strongly scented. 

Ciliatum Wax Flowers

This variety of wax flower is not complicated with its soil’s preferences. In fact, it tends to grow in rocky soils as well.

They can grow up to 5 feet tall and produce white flowers that are an excellent choice when it comes to long lasting blooms.

Confertiflorum Wax Flowers

This is the tiniest chamelaucium as it can only grow up to 3 feet in height. Its flowers are also white.

Drummondii Wax Flowers

One of the most unique looking plants ever, this flower has an interesting shape and colors. They are truly gorgeous.

It can grow up to 4 feet in height and it produces white and pink flowers. It prefers to grow near lakes.

Megalopetalum – Large Waxflower Plants

As its name suggests, this variety of the Chamelaucium species has the biggest flowers on the list. They can grow up to 8 feet in height. It produces white, yellow, cream, and pink flowers that are perfect for wedding decor.

Chamelaucium virgatum

This variety can grow up to 7 feet tall. They prefer sandy soils as they can be found on Australia’s coast. They have pink and white flowers.

waxflowers in a vase

FAQs

Conclusion

Waxflowers are now known all over the world because of their durability and easiness to grow. If you’re looking for new plants to grow in your garden or are someone in the cut flower industry looking for a new option for your customers, waxflowers are the way to go!

The waxflower plant has beautiful small flowers that catch everyone’s attention not only because of their simple beauty, but also because of their lovely fragrance.

For more beautiful flowering shrubs to grow, see our list here.

*image by nahhan/depositphotos

Scroll to Top