Ruby Cascade Wax Flower

Ruby Cascade Wax Flower (Philotheca myoporoides 'Ruby Cascade') is a low, compact native shrub that grows 50 to 60cm tall and spreads 60cm to 1m, with arching stems of deep green foliage. Pink-red buds open to starry white flowers through winter and spring, and again here and there in summer and autumn. It copes with exposed coastal positions and city air, so it suits seaside and urban gardens alike.

Why you'll love it

• Winter colour. Red-pink buds open to white stars along the stems, when much of the garden is quiet.
• Low and arching. At 50 to 60cm tall it suits the front of a bed, a small garden or a pot.
• Coastal and urban tough. It is happy in exposed coastal sites and tolerant of pollution.
• Waterwise once established. It tolerates frost and drought once it has settled in.
• Scented stems. The stems are said to carry a spicy apple or mint fragrance, so crush a leaf and see.

Where it works best

Coastal gardens. Use it at the front of a seaside bed, where exposure that burns many shrubs does it little harm.

Borders and edging. Plant 60cm apart for a low, informal border that carries its white stars along the stems in winter and keeps a soft, arching outline.

Urban and waterwise gardens. A good fit for a small front garden or a dry bed, since it tolerates pollution and, once settled, drought.

Growing Ruby Cascade Wax Flower in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade, with dappled sunlight ideal. It tolerates frost and drought once established and handles exposed coastal sites. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. Free draining soil. Mulch after planting to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer, then rely on rainfall. A native slow release fertiliser after pruning is all the feeding it needs.

Pruning. A light prune once flowering has finished helps the plant keep its shape. Trim soft growth only and avoid cutting into bare old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ruby Cascade Wax Flower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is a small starter, so plant it into free draining soil soon after it arrives, mulch around it, and water regularly while it settles. Expect it to build its arching shape over a few seasons.

Our grower supplies the tubes, and supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it is back.

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
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants for small gardens
• Planning a coastal feature garden

Common questions

Will it cope with sea wind and salt?

It is happy in exposed coastal sites, which makes it a good choice for a seaside front garden. Good drainage still matters, so avoid ground that stays wet.

When does it flower?

Mostly in winter and spring, with flowers appearing on and off through summer and autumn. Red-pink buds open to starry white blooms.

How wide will it spread?

Expect 60cm to 1m across and 50 to 60cm tall, with arching stems. Plant 60cm apart for a continuous low border.