Plants from down under – Waxflower

Name – Also called Geraldton wax from the town in Australia from where it originates.

Description – Tiny bowl-shaped flowers in shades dark pink, pale pink or white, of four or five rounded petals, with prominent stamens in the centre. The leaves are very much like pine needles on hard woody branched stems. Some varieties have a lemon-almond fragrance which is very much in demand for wedding bouquets.

Origin – The Geraldton wax is known botanically as Chamelaucium uncinatum and originates in Australia where it grows as a wildflower on shrubs that can reach heights of twelve feet. Although native to a dry summer climate, Geraldton wax is reasonably hardy in more humid, temperate and sub-tropical areas but cannot be recommended for the humid tropics or a damp greenhouse. The species is highly adaptable to areas of dry summers and may cope well with dry cold once the plant is mature enough to cope with changes in season. It requires a very well drained position, preferably in sandy soil in sun. Once established, plants will tolerate periods of extended dryness. The plants respond well to pruning back by about one third annually. While they need occasional deep watering in summer, the plants are drought-resistant when established

For Decoration – The flowers are used, like Gypsophila, as delicate, airy fillers for arrangements and are considered idea for bridal bouquets, nosegays and corsages. The transportation of waxflowers can be difficult because the buds and flowers tend to fall from the main stem in a process called abscission – one solution is to hydrate the plants in refrigerated water.

Australian waxflower photograph by bc anna, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

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