Pinnacle Pink Geraldton Wax

Pinnacle Pink Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium floriferum 'Pinnacle Pink') is an upright waxflower that reaches about 2m tall and 1.5m wide, slimmer than the rounded Geraldton wax most gardens know. Pale pink, lobed flowers with deep pink centres open all the way along each stem from late spring. It is an excellent cut flower, and it was bred to grow well in a pot as well as in the ground.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers along the whole stem. Buds open from the base of each upright stem to the tip, so the plant reads as a column of pink instead of a scatter of blooms at the ends of the branches.
• A slimmer waxflower. The upright habit takes less ground than a classic rounded Geraldton wax, so it is easier to place in a border, beside a path or on a patio.
• A late bloomer. Buds form in mid spring and flowers carry on into midsummer, a later season than most waxflowers.
• Made for cutting. Long stems wearing flowers from end to end suit vases, and cutting them doubles as a light prune.
• Tough once settled. It tolerates light frost, exposed sites and dry spells once established, if the air is not too humid.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The upright stems knit into a loose flowering screen about 2m high, and a light trim after flowering keeps it neat.

Borders and feature planting. Use it as a vertical accent at the back of a spring border, allowing 1.2m between plants if each should stand alone.

Pots, seaside and cottage gardens. A large pot of free draining mix suits a sunny patio, and the soft flowers sit well in cottage and seaside gardens.

Growing Pinnacle Pink Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best flowering, though part shade is tolerated. It prefers low humidity, so it is happiest in Mediterranean, arid and drier warm temperate gardens, and it copes with light frost. On the humid east coast it can struggle, so choose the sunniest, airiest spot you have or grow it in a large pot.

Soil. Free draining soil is the one firm requirement. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or in a pot, because waterlogged roots are the usual reason waxflowers fail.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so, until the plant is established. After that it is drought resistant. Feed once a year with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune lightly just after flowering to encourage new growth and a dense show next season. Avoid cutting into old wood, which often fails to reshoot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pinnacle Pink Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the economical way to plant a hedge or border. Expect a small plant on arrival that flowers more heavily once it has had a season in the ground.

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 shrubs
• More flowering plants for colour
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Plants that thrive in pots

Common questions

How is Pinnacle Pink different from ordinary Geraldton wax?

It grows upright and slender instead of as a rounded cloud, and it carries flowers along the whole stem, not just at the tips. It also flowers later, from late spring into midsummer.

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It prefers low humidity. On the humid coast, give it full sun, open airflow and very sharp drainage, or keep it in a large pot. Mediterranean, arid and cooler southern gardens suit it best.

When and how hard should I prune it?

Prune lightly straight after flowering, taking only soft growth. Cutting into old wood often leaves bare stems that do not shoot again.