Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Herbs and aromatics
Exotic (Australian) | Moderate Care | Herbs and aromatics
The waxflower is an elegant Australian shrub with fine, needle-like, aromatic foliage and masses of small, waxy, long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and red, depending on cultivar.
The nursery carries a range including Cotton Candy, Janelle, Moonlight Delight, My Sweet 16, Nina's Delight, Pinnacle White and Purple Pride. The flowers appear from late winter through spring and are outstanding as cut flowers, lasting up to three weeks in a vase. In the garden, it forms a graceful, upright shrub that handles wind and sandy soil well. It earns the moderate rating because it is fussy about drainage and does not enjoy heavy, wet or alkaline soil, and it can be short-lived if conditions are not right.
1 to 2 m depending on variety.
Moderate.
Feature shrub, cut flower garden, mixed border, container. Highly valued for its long-lasting cut flowers.
Full sun. Needs open conditions and good airflow.
Well-drained, sandy, acidic to neutral soil. Like many Australian natives, it does not enjoy heavy, alkaline or poorly drained soil. In alkaline conditions, grow in a large container with acidic potting mix. Never add rich compost or high-phosphorus fertiliser.
Low to moderate once established. Water while settling in. It is drought-tolerant once its roots are down, but does not cope with waterlogging. Good drainage is more important than water.
Low-phosphorus fertiliser only, as with other Australian natives. Avoid standard garden fertilisers.
Prune after flowering, taking about a third of the growth. This keeps it compact and encourages heavier flowering next season. Do not cut back into old, bare wood.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
