The Australian wax flower does not know winter in its homeland like we experience here. Snow, frost and cold are factors that this myrtle plant has to cope with if it wants to stay in the bed all year round. Can it adapt to this, or does another solution need to be found?
How can I overwinter Chamelaucium uncinatum properly?
To overwinter the Chamelaucium uncinatum successfully, place the plant in a cool, bright room at temperatures of 5-10 °C. Water regularly in small amounts as the substrate dries and avoid waterlogging. Avoid fertilizing until April.
Cool temperatures yes, frost no
Chamelaucium unicatum can cope with low temperatures in phases. However, if it gets frosty, the plant has nothing to counteract it. It's coming in. For this reason, the Australian wax flower can only be left outside for part of the year. Since it is essentially an outdoor plant, it should be kept outside as much as possible.
Cultivation in a bucket
Hakige Chamelaucium, as it is commonly called, is best kept in a bucket. This is mobile and can follow the heat. The practice of planting frost-sensitive plants in spring and potting them up again in autumn is difficult to implement here. In addition to the fact that constantly digging up a plant is not good, over time the shrub grows up to 1.5 m tall and is therefore unwieldy.
Moving into the house
Autumn is a little different every year. The frost can come very early or wait until winter. In some years it even stops altogether. The Australian wax flower only has to move when the outside temperature drops to zero.
On the other hand, this plant is sensitive to moisture. Rainy autumn days can be hard on it if it is not protected. That's why moving from the end of October isn't a bad idea, even if it's not freezing outside.
This winter quarters are good
The shrub can hibernate warmly indoors. But we only recommend this if there is no other option for wintering. The reason is that the Australian wax flower only blooms profusely when it is kept cool over the winter. The cooler it is, the later it will bloom.
- requires temperatures of 5 to 10 °C
- the room should be bright
- Winter garden or cellar with window are ideal
Tip
If space in the winter quarters is limited, you can easily cut the shrub back. However, since it produces flowers in autumn, the flower magic will be more modest.
Care during wintering
Even in cool winter quarters, Chamelaucium needs regular water as soon as the substrate has dried. Water the shrub in small amounts because it does not tolerate wet, cold soil well. Root rot can spread quickly.
There will be no fertilization until April. No further care is necessary. As soon as it gets warmer in spring, the shrub can slowly get used to the sun and move.
Tip
If the shrub loses its leaves in winter, it is usually not due to incorrect care. The cause is probably a lack of light. Stop leaf fall by moving the pot closer to the window.
