Cha Cha Geraldton Wax

Cha Cha Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Cha Cha') is a flowering Australian native that grows to about 2m tall and 1.5m wide, with fine needle-like leaves and a heavy spring display. Maroon-red buds open to pink flowers with dark red centres in mid spring, so the shrub stays two-tone for weeks. It was bred to perform in a pot as well as in the ground.

Why you'll love it

• Two colours at once. Maroon-red buds sit beside open pink flowers with dark red centres, which gives the bush a sparkle that plain pink varieties lack.
• Superb cut flowers. Trim a few stems in bloom and bring them indoors, where they hold well in a vase.
• Bred for containers. It grows happily in a large pot, so a deck or courtyard can have waxflower too.
• Tough once settled. It is drought resistant once established, tolerates light frost and is at home in exposed positions.
• Fine, light foliage. The slender needle-like leaves give a soft texture that sits well beside broader-leaved natives.

Where it works best

Native and cottage borders. Plant 1m apart for an informal flowering line, or 1.5m apart if you want each shrub to stand alone. It pairs well with grevilleas and correas, which enjoy the same sunny, free draining conditions.

Seaside gardens. It suits exposed, free draining coastal sites, where it takes wind and sandy soil in its stride.

Pots on a deck. Choose a pot at least 40cm wide, a free draining native potting mix and a sunny spot, and never let the pot stand in water.

Growing Cha Cha Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best flowering, though a partly shaded position works. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid climates, tolerates light frost and prefers low humidity. In humid subtropical gardens, choose the driest, breeziest spot you have and raise the bed.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. Sandy and gravelly loams suit it; on heavy clay, build a mound or grow it in a pot.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established, then back off, because it is drought resistant. Fertilise once a year with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth and dense flowers next season. Avoid cutting into old wood, which often will not reshoot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cha Cha Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, fine-leaved plant, so plant it promptly into free draining soil, or pot it on and keep it watered through its first summer. Flowering builds as the plant gains size.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Plants that suit pots and containers
• Pruning for beginners

Common questions

When does it flower?

In mid spring, with the red buds showing beforehand. Pruning lightly straight after flowering sets the plant up for next season.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it was bred for containers. Use a large pot with a free draining native potting mix and plenty of sun.

Why do waxflowers sometimes die suddenly?

Usually from wet feet or humid, wet summers. Free drainage, a raised bed and good airflow prevent most losses, and avoid pruning into bare wood.