Kerryn Geraldton Wax

Kerryn Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Kerryn') is a vigorous, big waxflower that grows 2m to 3m tall and about 1.5m wide, with fine evergreen foliage on long stems. Red winter buds open to heaps of large, single, dark pink flowers with maroon centres. It flowers later than most varieties, which extends the waxflower season, and it tolerates a hotter, drier climate than many.

Why you'll love it

• A later flowering season. It opens after many other waxflowers have finished, so the garden has native colour for longer.
• Long stems for cutting. The tall growth gives you plenty of long stems for the vase without spoiling the shape of the shrub.
• Large, warm pink flowers. Single blooms in a range of warm pink tones sit above maroon centres and open from red buds.
• Heat and dryness. It is more tolerant of a hot, dry climate than many waxflowers, so try it in inland and outback style gardens.
• Vigorous growth. It grows fast for a waxflower, filling space quickly.

Where it works best

Hot, dry gardens. Plant it in full sun with sharp drainage and little summer humidity. It suits inland and arid gardens where more delicate shrubs struggle.

Cutting gardens. Allow 1.5m per plant and harvest long stems through the flowering period. A pair of shrubs gives a steady supply of bouquets.

Large containers and native borders. It also grows in a large pot, and fits at the back of a native border where height is welcome.

Growing Kerryn Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, though flowering is best in full sun. It suits arid, Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens, tolerates light frost and handles heat and drought once established. Like other waxflowers it prefers low humidity.

Soil. Plant in light, free draining soil. On heavy clay, mound the bed or grow it in a large pot with a native potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch well and keep the soil regularly watered for around 12 weeks. After that it is drought and heat resistant. A yearly application of slow release native fertiliser is plenty.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense flowers next season. Stay in leafy growth, because old wood is slow to reshoot. Cutting stems for the vase counts as a light prune.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kerryn Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, but it is vigorous and grows quickly in warm weather. Plant in free draining soil promptly, water regularly through the first summer, and allow room for a shrub of up to 3m.

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 plants
• Plants for arid and semi arid climates
• More drought tolerant plants
• A guide to waterwise gardening

Common questions

Will it grow in a hot inland garden?

Yes. It tolerates heat and drought once established, and is a good waxflower to try in hot, dry districts. Give it full sun and free draining soil.

How big does Kerryn grow?

Between 2m and 3m tall and around 1.5m wide, so allow generous space.

Why does it carry buds for so long?

Kerryn shows red buds in winter and opens them later than other waxflowers, so the buds stay on the bush for some time before the flowers appear.