How do I care for my Chamelaucium uncinatum waxflower shrub?

Chamelaucium uncinatum waxflower, also known as Geraldton Wax, thrives in full sun and loose, well-drained sandy or gravelly soil. Avoid heavy clay or soggy soils to prevent root rot. Water regularly during establishment and in dry periods, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Fertilize sparingly with a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer only if needed.

When does Chamelaucium uncinatum bloom and how can I use it in my garden?

Chamelaucium uncinatum produces masses of vibrant white, pink, and purple cup-shaped flowers from late winter to spring, providing a stunning display in the garden. It works well as a specimen plant, in borders, containers, or mixed shrubberies. The aromatic foliage and profusion of blooms also make it ideal for cut flower arrangements and attracting bees and butterflies.

Is the Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium) suitable for my climate and is it drought tolerant?

Chamelaucium uncinatum is best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and prefers mild winters with dry summers. Once established, it is drought tolerant and waterwise, requiring only occasional watering except during extended dry periods. Its resilience makes it a great low-maintenance choice for water-conscious and coastal gardens.

1 7

Bonte Farm

Chamelaucium Southern Stars (Waxflower): Dense Clusters of White and Blush Stars

$125.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size 5-gal

🌸Chamelaucium ‘Southern Stars’ (Waxflower)

Chamelaucium ‘Southern Stars’ is an exceptional Waxflower cultivar. It is known for its profuse flowering, fine foliage, and compact branching. This plant creates masses of star-like, waxy blooms from late winter through spring. The display ranges from pure white to a delicate blush-pink, depending on the selection. Its needle-like, aromatic leaves provide year-round texture and the perfect backdrop for the floral display.

Highly prized in both landscape and cut-flower markets, ‘Southern Stars’ offers a long vase life, sturdy stems, and high flower counts per branch. It thrives in warm, dry climates with minimal care. This makes it perfect for Mediterranean gardens, coastal landscapes, native plantings, and designs favoring wildlife. Whether used as an accent shrub, a flowering hedge, or a mass planting, ‘Southern Stars’ adds exceptional color, fragrance, and refinement to water-wise gardens.

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic	Detail
Scientific Name	Chamelaucium uncinatum ‘Southern Stars’
Common Name(s)	Southern Stars Waxflower
Growth Habit	Compact, upright evergreen shrub with fine branching
Foliage	Narrow, needle-like, aromatic leaves; rich evergreen texture
Flowers	Abundant star-shaped waxy blooms in white to soft blush tones
Flowering Season	Late winter through spring
Special Features	Heavy blooming, excellent cut flower, drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly

Mature Size and Form of Waxflower

• Height: 4–6 ft
• Spread: 3–5 ft
The plant forms a uniform, upright shrub with dense flowering at the tips of branches.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones 9–11

Cultivation and Care

Aspect	Care Instructions
Sunlight	Full sun is essential for best flowering results.
Soil	Prefers free-draining sandy or rocky soil; avoid heavy clay soils.
Water	Low watering needs once established; prefers dry periods between irrigation.
Fertilizer	Use low-phosphorus, native-safe fertilizer sparingly.
Pruning	Light pruning after flowering; avoid heavy cuts into old wood.

Landscape Use and Benefits of Geraldton Wax Plant

• Excellent flowering shrub for Mediterranean and coastal landscapes
• Great for informal hedges, native borders, or specimen placement
• Outstanding cut-flower variety with long-lasting stems
• Provides vibrant winter-spring color
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators

Wildlife Attraction

The plant produces nectar-rich blooms that attract various pollinators. Evergreen foliage offers shelter and structure for garden wildlife.

Pest and Disease Resistance

This cultivar is generally tough and reliable. Potential problems include:
• Root rot in poorly drained soils
• Sensitivity to overwatering
• Occasional branch dieback if pruned too severely

Propagation Methods

• Best propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings to preserve the cultivar traits
• Seed propagation is not recommended due to trait variability

About the Pink Wax Flower

The pink wax flower variant of Chamelaucium adds a delicate blush tone to gardens. It is highly sought-after for its ornamental value and fragrance. Featuring star-shaped blooms, it's perfect for creating soft, subtle color in mixed borders or as a focal point.

Geraldton Wax Flower Characteristics

The Geraldton wax flower is closely related to the southern stars cultivar. It is prized for its rich aroma, fine foliage, and its ability to bloom heavily in dry conditions. This plant is equally suited for coastal gardens and water-wise landscapes.

Geraldton Wax Plant in Landscape Design

The Geraldton wax plant offers great versatility in garden use. It performs well as a hedge or as a specimen plant. Its drought tolerance and attractiveness to pollinators make it an excellent addition to sustainable garden designs.