Moonlight Delight Geraldton Wax

Moonlight Delight Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Moonlight Delight') is a rounded, evergreen Australian native shrub that grows to a neat 2m tall and up to 1.5m wide. Brilliant red buds in late winter open to masses of large, single, ivory-white flowers with deep red centres. It looks good in the garden, in a large container and in a vase.

Why you'll love it

• Red buds, ivory flowers. Brilliant red buds give way to large ivory-white flowers with deep red centres, a striking contrast.
• Masses of blooms. Flowers cover the rounded shrub, so it makes a statement even from a distance.
• A neat shape. A rounded habit and a height of about 2m make it tidy in a border or beside a path.
• Weeks in the vase. Trim a few stems and enjoy them for weeks indoors.
• At home in dry spots. Drought resistant once established, tolerant of light frost and suited to exposed sites.

Where it works best

Native and cottage gardens. Plant 1.5m apart as a feature shrub. The ivory flowers look soft beside blue-grey foliage and the red buds add detail up close.

Large containers. A deep, wide pot with free draining mix suits it. Stand it in full sun and water more often than you would a planted shrub.

Informal hedges. Plant 1m apart in a row for a rounded flowering hedge about 2m high, tidy enough for a front boundary.

Growing Moonlight Delight Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sunny to partly shaded position. Full sun gives the strongest flowering. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid climates and tolerates light frost, though it prefers low humidity. Avoid cold, wet hollows.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. Raise the bed on clay, or grow it in a large pot with native potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established, then ease off, because it is drought resistant. A single yearly feed of slow release native fertiliser is all it needs.

Pruning. Prune lightly once flowering has finished to encourage new growth and a good flower set next season. Cut only into leafy growth, because old wood rarely reshoots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Moonlight Delight Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so plant it promptly into free draining soil or a larger pot. Expect a modest first season while it builds size, then a bigger display as it matures.

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

• More Australian native shrubs
• Hedging and screening plants
• Designing a native garden for wildlife
• Fixing poor drainage

Common questions

When does it flower?

Red buds appear in late winter and open into ivory-white flowers. The display continues through spring.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it suits large containers. Use a free draining native mix and a sunny position, and water more often than you would an in-ground plant.

How big will it get?

A neat 2m high, up to 1.5m wide, with a rounded shape. Light pruning after flowering keeps it compact.