The Australian wax flower, bot. Chamelaucium uncinatum, has come from far away to delight us. There are the fine leaves reminiscent of rosemary and the numerous white, pink or purple flowers. The perennial shrub needs care so that it can show its full beauty in this country.
How do you care for the Australian wax flower?
The care of the Australian wax flower includes permeable, slightly acidic substrate, sunny location, moderate watering without waterlogging, occasional fertilizing, optional pruning, temporary repotting and frost-free overwintering at 5 to 10 °C.
Long life only waits in the bucket
Chamelaucium is an evergreen shrub from the myrtle family. It can grow up to 1.5 m tall here. In Australia it grows in the wild, but here it has to be content with a large container because it has no winter hardiness.
- plant in permeable substrate
- it should be slightly acidic with pH 6-6.5
- A mixture of potting soil, sand and pumice gravel (2:1:1) is ideal
- cultivate outside outside the frost period
- Sunny location, with at least 3 hours of sun per day
- Comfortable temperature is between 15 and 35 °C
The earth can “almost” dry out
You don't have to carry heavy watering cans with this plant. The main task is to ensure that the shrub is not waterlogged. On very rainy days, a sheltered location is important.
The Australian wax flower only requires water when its soil is almost dry. In winter its need is so low that it is only watered little by little.
Fertilize every now and then
When purchased and after repotting, the pot usually has soil that is well saturated with nutrients. Therefore, in these cases there is no fertilization for a whole year. Chamelaucium uncinatum can then be fertilized from April to September. A liquid fertilizer (€9.00 at Amazon) covers all needs if used every 4 to 8 weeks.
Pruning for a beautiful shape
Chamelaucium does not require regular pruning. However, cutting back promotes compact growth. Therefore, prune when the plant grows out of shape. But wait until after wintering.
Repotting if necessary
If the shrub has grown a lot and the pot is too small, it needs to be repotted. However, you should leave it alone during the flowering and overwintering periods. So that leaves spring and autumn.
Wintering indoors
The Australian wax flower can survive low temperatures, but its tolerance stops when there is frost. This shrub therefore has to overwinter indoors.
- Put the plant away in good time
- keep it cool and bright
- Temperature values of 5 to 10 °C are ideal
- occasionally water something
In spring, as long as there is no longer any threat of frost, the plant can go outdoors again, but it must slowly get used to the sun.
Tip
If the evergreen shrub loses some of its leaves in its winter quarters, it is probably suffering from a lack of light. Move the pot closer to the window or install a plant lamp.
