How to Grow Geraldton Wax
Chamelaucium uncinatum
Geraldton Wax is a Western Australian shrub bearing masses of waxy, star-shaped flowers in pink, white, or purple from late winter through spring. Prized as a long-lasting cut flower. It demands full sun and excellent drainage in sandy, slightly acidic soil. Drought-tolerant once established but intolerant of humidity and wet feet. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Best in Mediterranean and dry-summer climates.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Lightly in spring with a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser. Avoid standard garden fertilisers which may contain too much phosphorus for this Australian native.
Watch For
- Root rot (overwatering or poor drainage)
- Phytophthora dieback
- Botrytis (grey mould) in humid conditions
- Scale insects
Companions
Grevillea, Westringia, Correa, Kangaroo Paw, Lavender
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Demands full sun for prolific flowering. Will not tolerate shade or damp, overcast positions. In cooler climates, plant against a warm sheltered wall.
Watering
Drought tolerant, avoid overwatering
Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly in summer and not at all in wet periods. Root rot from overwatering is the primary killer of this plant.
Fertilizing
Light low-phosphorus feed in spring
Apply a light dose of low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in spring only. Sensitive to phosphorus, so avoid standard garden fertilisers. One application per year suffices.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering, never into old wood
Prune by one-third to one-half immediately after flowering. Always cut into green leafy wood. Never cut into bare old wood as it rarely regenerates.
