Marshmallow Delight Geraldton Wax

Marshmallow Delight Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Marshmallow Delight') is a tall, slender native shrub that grows up to 3m high and 1.5m wide. It flowers early, with large blooms in assorted shades of white, pink and purple that are often maroon in bud, over slender needle-like foliage. The upright habit suits informal hedging and screening.

Why you'll love it

• Big blooms in mixed shades. White, pink and purple flowers appear together on the same bush, often with maroon buds still opening nearby.
• An early start. It flowers early in the waxflower season, which brings colour ahead of the spring rush.
• A slim, tall habit. Up to 3m tall but only 1.5m wide, it gives a screen without taking much width.
• Soft, informal screening. Planted in a row it forms a flowering screen rather than a clipped wall.
• Excellent for cutting. The large blooms last well in a vase, and cutting stems in flower doubles as a light tidy.

Where it works best

Informal hedging and screening. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The shrubs will merge into a flowering screen up to 3m high, tall enough to filter a neighbour's view.

Back of a native border. Its height suits the rear of a bed, with lower shrubs in front to show off the full length of the bush.

Seaside plantings. It handles exposed positions and sandy soil, so it works on windy coastal blocks as well.

Growing Marshmallow Delight Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with full sun the best for flowers. It thrives in Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid climates, tolerates light frost and prefers low humidity. Because it is tall, stake young plants in windy sites.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil. Mound the planting line on clay so the roots never sit in water.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks, until established. After that it is drought resistant, and a yearly feed of slow release native fertiliser is enough.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth and a dense flower set next season. Tip pruning builds bushiness on a tall shrub, but do not cut into old, bare stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Marshmallow Delight Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, so a screen planted from tubes takes a few seasons to reach full height. Plant it promptly, mulch around the base and water regularly through the first summer.

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
• Screening plants 2m to 4m
• A native garden for wildlife
• Pruning for beginners

Common questions

How tall does it grow?

Up to 3m, with a spread of around 1.5m, so it works as a tall screen where space is narrow.

Why are the flowers different colours?

The blooms open in assorted shades of white, pink and purple, and many buds are maroon before they open. That variation is part of its charm.

Can I clip it as a formal hedge?

It suits an informal, billowing hedge better than a clipped one. Light pruning after flowering keeps it neat, but cutting into old wood risks the plant.