Waterwise Plant Details
Geraldton Wax
- Family: MYRTACEAE
- Genus: Chamelaucium
- Species: uncinatum
Developed by Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, this beautifully graceful flowering native shrub, is covered in masses of glossy red buds when approaching spring. These are followed by an abundance of pink flowers in mid spring.
Among the earliest of native plants to be brought into cultivation, there are now numerous selected forms as well as many intergeneric hybrids. There are about 50 cultivars and hybrids offering a range of single or double flowers, flower colour and size, and overall size. All are fast growing, need plenty of sun and have fine, dark green foliage and terminal clusters of flowers over an extensive period. It will grow in a wide range of free draining soils and is tolerant of hot dry conditions, with low water requirements once established, usually around 12 weeks.
Flowers are long lasting when cut. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth and dense flowering next season, avoid cutting into old wood. Fertilise yearly using a slow release native fertiliser.
Pronunciation: Kama-law-si-um