Nina's Delight Geraldton Wax

Nina's Delight Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium megalopetalum 'Nina's Delight') is a tall Australian native waxflower, up to 2m high and 1.5m wide, with rich dark pink to purple flowers and burgundy centres from September to November. Slender needle-like foliage sets off the colour. It is a late season variety that suits cottage, native and seaside gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Deep colour. Dark pink to purple petals with burgundy centres are richer than the pale pinks and whites of many waxflowers.
• A September to November season. Flowers open in spring and carry on for a good three months, giving colour when the winter varieties have finished.
• Cut flowers with presence. The dark blooms make a bold bunch indoors and cutting stems keeps the shrub tidy.
• Native and dry-climate tough. Established plants resist drought and shrug off light frost.
• A tall, upright habit. Up to 2m tall, it adds height to a native or cottage border.

Where it works best

Cottage and native borders. Plant 1.5m apart as a feature shrub. The rich pink-purple tones look good with silver foliage and grey-green natives.

Spring borders. Place it toward the middle or back of a bed, where its tall, slender shape can rise above lower plants.

Seaside gardens. It suits free draining, sandy soil and exposed positions, so it works as a bright note in a coastal garden.

Growing Nina's Delight Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with full sun giving the best flowering. Choose it for Mediterranean, warm temperate and arid gardens. Light frost is fine, but long humid spells are not. In humid subtropical districts it needs the driest, breeziest position available.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil. On heavy ground, build a mound or choose a large pot with native mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established. After that it is drought resistant. Feed once a year with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth and dense flowering next season. Avoid cutting into old wood, which seldom reshoots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Nina's Delight Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, so plan on a couple of seasons before it reaches its full size. Plant promptly into free draining soil and keep it moist but not soggy through its 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

• Browse Australian native plants
• Plants for coastal gardens
• How to create a cottage garden
• Waterwise garden guide

Common questions

When does it flower?

From September to November, in spring. That is later than the winter-flowering waxflowers.

How is it different from other Geraldton waxes?

It is a close relative with deeper colouring, and its care needs are the same: sun, free drainage and a light prune after flowering.

Does it suit seaside gardens?

Yes, it handles exposed positions and sandy, free draining soil. Keep it away from heavy, wet ground.