Rhiannon Geraldton Wax

Rhiannon Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Rhiannon') is a tall waxflower, 1.5m to 2m high and 1m to 1.5m wide, with large two-tone blooms in white and pink with darker pink centres. It flowers late in the season, through winter and into spring, above the fine needle-like foliage typical of Geraldton wax. Long lasting flowers on strong stems make it a favourite for cutting.

Why you'll love it

• Big, freckled blooms. The flowers are noticeably larger than those of a classic Geraldton wax, white with pink freckling and a darker pink centre.
• Late season colour. It flowers in winter and spring, when many gardens are short of flowers.
• A top cut flower. Strong stems and long lasting blooms stand up well in a vase.
• Bees and butterflies. The open blooms draw bees and butterflies in numbers.
• Happy in a pot. It was bred for pot growing too, so a sunny patio works as well as a border.

Where it works best

Winter and spring borders. Plant 1.2m apart in a sunny border so the tall stems have air around them. The large flowers show best against plain green planting.

Cut flower rows. A short row of three or four plants, spaced 1.2m apart, gives you stems for the house through the late season.

Seaside and cottage gardens. It is a classic cottage plant and suits seaside gardens, where the fine foliage copes with open positions.

Large pots. Choose a big pot, fill it with free draining mix and keep it in full sun.

Growing Rhiannon Geraldton Wax in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best flowering, though part shade is acceptable. It prefers low humidity, takes light frost and handles exposed positions in most parts of Australia. Humid coastal gardens are the hardest place for it, so choose an open, airy spot there.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil. Sandy ground is ideal, and heavy clay needs a raised mound or a pot, since wet roots in winter are the common cause of loss.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for around 12 weeks until established. Once settled it is drought resistant. A yearly application of slow release native fertiliser is enough.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth and dense flowers next season. Avoid cutting into old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rhiannon Geraldton Wax as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the economical way to build a cutting row or border and settles quickly in warm soil. Expect a small plant on arrival that gains height and flowers as it fills out.

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
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants that suit pots
• Plants for native bees in Australian gardens

Common questions

When does Rhiannon flower?

Late in the season, from winter into spring. That is later than many waxflowers, which makes it useful for extending the flowering calendar.

Is it good for cut flowers?

Yes. The blooms are large and long lasting on strong stems. Cutting also tidies the plant, though you should leave leafy growth behind.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it was bred to suit pots as well as the garden. Use a large pot with free draining mix, keep it in full sun and avoid letting water sit in the saucer.