Local Hero Geraldton Wax

Local Hero Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Local Hero') is a late flowering Australian native waxflower, up to 2m tall and 1.5m wide, with warm rosy pink blooms and deep maroon centres over slender needle-like foliage. It was bred for pot growing as well as for the garden, and the cut stems last well indoors. It suits borders, seaside beds and large containers.

Why you'll love it

• Warm rosy pink flowers. Deep maroon centres give each bloom a dark eye, and the colour reads as warm rather than sugary.
• Late in the waxflower season. It opens late, extending native colour once earlier varieties have faded.
• Bred for pots. It grows well in containers, which makes it easy to use on a deck, courtyard or balcony.
• A cut flower you will use. Trim a few stems and enjoy them indoors. The cuts double as a light prune.
• Dry-climate tough. Drought resistant once established, tolerant of light frost and happy in exposed places.

Where it works best

Borders and feature planting. Plant 1.5m apart as a feature shrub, or 1m apart for a loose informal hedge. The pink flowers show best against dark green foliage.

Seaside gardens. It suits sandy, free draining ground with wind, and gives a coastal planting a splash of colour.

Large pots and courtyards. Choose a pot at least 40cm wide, a free draining native potting mix and a sunny position.

Growing Local Hero Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny to partly shaded, with full sun giving the best flowering. Expect it to do best in Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid regions. It takes light frost in its stride and dislikes damp, humid air, so in humid subtropical districts plant it in the driest, most open position.

Soil. Free draining soil is vital. If your ground is heavy, build a mound or use a container.

Water and feed. Water regularly and keep mulch around the base for the first 12 weeks. Afterwards it is drought resistant, though a pot needs more water than an in-ground plant. Fertilise yearly using a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering, which encourages new growth and dense flowering the following season. Avoid cutting into old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Local Hero Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The 200mm pots are more advanced plants, which give a larger shrub in the first year. Tube stock is the economical choice for a hedge or large border and catches up in warm weather.

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
• Plants for pots and containers
• Choosing the right size pot
• What to plant in spring

Common questions

What size pot does it need?

Start with a pot at least 40cm wide and step up as it grows. Use a free draining native potting mix and keep the pot out of saucers of standing water.

When should I plant the 200mm pot?

Plant it any time the soil is workable, though spring and autumn give the easiest start. Avoid the hottest weeks of summer, and water regularly through the first year.

How is it different from other waxflowers?

Local Hero blooms late and has a warm rosy pink flower with deep maroon centres. Its growth habit and care needs are the same as other Geraldton waxes.