A WA shrub with fine aromatic needle foliage smothered in waxy purple-pink flowers from winter into spring. A superb long-lasting cut flower and drought-hardy feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride'
Botanically, Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Purple Pride' is a fast-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 2 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and aromatic foliage. Purple and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride'
Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' in the garden
Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride'
Plant Sale lists Geraldton Wax 'Purple Pride' as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.