Pinnacle White Geraldton Wax

Pinnacle White Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium floriferum 'Pinnacle White') is an upright waxflower about 2m tall and 1.5m wide, covered from late spring in small, pure white flowers. They are lobed rather than cup shaped, and they open along the full length of each slender stem. The needle-like foliage is typical of Geraldton wax, and the narrow habit suits gardens too small for a rounded shrub.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white flowers. Pure white blooms suit cottage borders, white themed plantings and mixed bunches, and they stand out against dark foliage.
• Blooms from base to tip. Flowers form all along the upright stems, not only at the ends, so the display looks full from every side.
• Narrow and upright. At 1.5m wide it needs less room than a classic rounded waxflower, which helps in tight borders and beside paths.
• Late spring to midsummer. Buds appear in mid spring and flowering carries on to midsummer.
• Good in vases and pots. It is an excellent cut flower, and it was bred to perform in pots as well as in garden beds.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a loose, white flowering screen about 2m high. Trim lightly after flowering rather than shearing it hard.

Spring borders. Set it behind lower plants as a vertical white accent. Pale pink or soft blue flowers beside it make an easy cottage palette.

Pots, seaside and cottage gardens. A large pot of free draining mix works well on a sunny patio, and the plant is a natural fit for seaside planting and cottage gardens.

Growing Pinnacle White Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun for the best flowering, though part shade is tolerated. It prefers low humidity and suits Mediterranean, arid and drier warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost and exposed sites in most parts of the country, but humid coastal gardens are harder on it, so give it the airiest position you have.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. Sandy and gravelly ground suits it, and on heavy clay a raised mound or a large pot keeps the roots out of standing water.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for about 12 weeks until the plant is established, then it manages with little water. Apply a slow release native fertiliser once a year.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to keep growth dense and encourage next season's flowers. Do not cut into old wood, as it may not reshoot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pinnacle White 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 row, and it settles fast in warm soil. Expect a small plant on arrival; flowering increases as it fills out over its first seasons.

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
• Compare the best hedging plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Designing a native Australian garden

Common questions

How big does Pinnacle White grow?

About 2m tall and 1.5m wide, in an upright, slender shape. Plant 1m apart for a hedge, or 1.2m apart if each plant should stand on its own.

Will it flower in part shade?

It tolerates part shade, but the best flowering comes in full sun. Give it the sunniest position available for the heaviest display.

Can I use it as a cut flower?

Yes, it is an excellent cut flower, with flowers all along each stem. Cut stems from outside the plant and leave plenty of leafy growth behind.