Winter Rouge Wax Flower

Winter Rouge Wax Flower (Philotheca myoporoides 'Winter Rouge') is a compact Australian native shrub, about 80cm high and wide, with scented, deep green leaves. Buds of pink-red open into star-shaped flowers in white and pale pink through winter and spring, when many gardens are short of colour. It is a tidy, scented plant for low hedges, borders and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers in winter and spring. Masses of pink-red buds open to pale pink stars, then fade to white, and the display fills the cooler months.
• Aromatic foliage. Brush the deep green leaves and they release a scent, so plant it beside a path or seat.
• A native with a small footprint. At 80cm by 80cm it gives you an Australian native in beds and pots too small for a bigger shrub.
• Good for wildlife and waterwise gardens. It suits native and wildlife plantings, and handles dry spells once established.
• Takes light frost. It tolerates light overnight frost once established.

Where it works best

Low flowering hedges. Plant 60cm apart in a single row. The plants meet as they mature, and a light trim after flowering keeps the line neat.

Native and cottage borders. Use it in the front of a border, where the winter flowers and scented leaves are close at hand.

Coastal and urban gardens. Coastal gardens are among its recommended uses, and the compact size suits small urban beds.

Large pots. A big pot of free draining mix brings the winter flowers up to eye level on a patio or entry.

Growing Winter Rouge Wax Flower in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny or partly shaded spot, and dappled sunlight is ideal. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It tolerates light overnight frost, though hard frost can damage young growth.

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

Water and feed. Water young plants regularly as they establish. Once settled they tolerate dry spells. After pruning, apply a native slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune once flowering has finished to shape the plant, then feed. A light trim each year keeps it compact and encourages the next season's buds.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Winter Rouge Wax Flower as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes suit a long low hedge, while the potted sizes give a faster result. Flowers follow as the plant grows on and the cooler months arrive.

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

• Australian native shrubs
• Low hedge plants under one metre
• Designing a native garden for wildlife
• More fragrant plants

Common questions

When does it flower?

Through winter and spring. The pink-red buds open to pale pink stars that fade to white.

Does it suit coastal gardens?

Yes, coastal gardens are one of its recommended uses. Keep the drainage sharp and give young plants some shelter while they establish.

How and when do I prune it?

Prune straight after flowering to shape the plant, then apply a native slow release fertiliser. Pruning at that time protects the buds that form for the next season.