Ice Queen Geraldton Wax

Ice Queen Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Ice Queen') is taller than most waxflowers, growing up to 3m high and 1.5m wide, and carries pure white blooms with a yellow centre over slender needle-like foliage. Bred by Kings Park & Botanic Gardens in Perth, it forms a billowing white hedge in a native or wildlife-friendly garden. It will also grow in a large pot.

Why you'll love it

• Height without bulk. Up to 3m tall and only 1.5m wide, it fills vertical space where a wide shrub will not fit.
• Pure white, yellow-centred flowers. The crisp white blooms with a golden eye catch the light well in spring.
• A hedge that billows. Planted in a row it grows into a soft white screen, an alternative to clipped formal hedges.
• Wildlife-friendly. It slots naturally into native plantings that feed and shelter garden wildlife.
• Tough and adaptable. It tolerates light frost, copes with exposed sites and is drought resistant once established.

Where it works best

Tall informal hedges. Plant 1m apart to form a screen up to 3m high. The upright, narrow habit takes less width than most hedging plants of the same height.

Native borders. Use it at the back of a border, with shorter shrubs in front, so that the white flowers rise above the planting.

Large pots in urban gardens. Bred to grow in containers as well, so a courtyard or terrace can host a tall white flowering shrub. Use a large, heavy pot and free draining native mix.

Growing Ice Queen Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun for the best flowering, or in partial shade. It is happiest in Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid climates, copes with light frost and dislikes sticky humidity. Tall plants can catch the wind, so stake young plants in exposed positions.

Soil. Sharp drainage is essential. Sand, gravel or a raised bed suit it well, and heavy ground needs mounding.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established, then leave it to its drought resistance. Feed it once a year with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth and dense blooms next season. Tip pruning keeps tall plants bushy, but avoid cutting into old, bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ice Queen Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so plan for a few seasons of growth before the hedge reaches its full height. Plant promptly and water through the first summer, and protect young plants from strong wind.

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

• Hedging and screening plants
• More native shrubs
• A native garden for wildlife
• Fast growing hedge ideas

Common questions

How tall will it grow?

Up to 3m, with a spread of about 1.5m. That is taller than most waxflowers, so it suits a screen or the back of a border.

Can it grow in a pot?

Yes, it was bred for pots as well as the garden. Choose a large pot with good drainage, and expect to prune a little to keep it in proportion.

How close should I plant a hedge?

About 1m apart. That spacing gives a continuous screen in a few seasons without crowding.