Giselle Geraldton Wax

Giselle Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Giselle') is a double-flowered Australian native, up to 2m tall and 1.5m wide, with ruffled little blooms from late winter into spring. Petals shade from palest blush pink to deep, almost purple tones, and each flower has a wine-red centre for contrast. The bush is medium sized, with the slender needle-like foliage typical of waxflowers.

Why you'll love it

• Double, ruffled flowers. The petals pack in layers, so each bloom looks fuller than the single flowers of most waxflowers.
• A wine-red eye. The deep red centre sets off the blush pink petals and makes the flowers easy to see from across the garden.
• A long, late season. Abundant blooms open from late winter and carry on well into spring.
• Manageable size. As a medium sized variety it fits a mixed border without overwhelming its neighbours.
• Tough in dry gardens. Once established it needs little water, and it tolerates light frost.

Where it works best

A feature in the native garden. Plant it where the double flowers can be seen up close, near a path, seat or entry. A single plant makes a pretty focal point among green foliage.

Winter and spring borders. Plant 1.5m apart for individual shrubs, or 1m apart if you prefer a soft, continuous flowering line.

Seaside plantings. It suits exposed sites with light, sandy soil, so it adds early colour to a coastal garden.

Growing Giselle Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Grow it in a sunny to partly shaded position, with plenty of sun for the best flower. It is at home in Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid climates. It tolerates light frost, and prefers low humidity, so give it airflow in damp districts.

Soil. Free draining soil is the key. Add sand or gravel to heavy ground, or mound the bed up so water drains away from the crown.

Water and feed. Watering is the main job in the first three months, so keep the soil mulched and regularly watered for around 12 weeks. After that the plant is drought resistant, and one annual feed of slow release native fertiliser is enough.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth and a heavy flower set next season, and stay within the leafy stems. Cutting into old wood risks losing the branch.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Giselle Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and plants in the ground or in a pot should be kept evenly moist while they settle. Expect the first flowers to be light and the display to build as the bush gains height.

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

• Australian native shrubs
• More flowering plants
• A native garden that attracts wildlife
• A simple guide to pruning

Common questions

What does a double waxflower mean?

It has extra petals in each flower, so the bloom looks ruffled and full. Giselle's colours range from blush pink to deep, almost purple tones, with a wine-red centre in every flower.

Does it suit hedging?

It can be planted 1m apart as a loose informal hedge, but its real strength is as a feature shrub where the double flowers get seen.

How should I cut it for the vase?

Take long stems in the cool of the morning and strip the lower leaves. Cutting also acts as a light prune, so stay within the leafy growth.