The Australian Waxflower, bot. Chamelaucium uncinatum has come to us from afar to delight us. There are the fine leaves reminiscent of rosemary and the numerous white, pink or violet flowers. The perennial shrub needs care so that it can also show its full beauty in this country.

The Australian wax flower likes it dry

Long life is only waiting in the bucket

Chamelaucium is an evergreen shrub of the myrtle family. With us it can grow up to 1.5 m. In Australia it grows in the wild, with us it has to be content with a large tub, because it is not winter hardy.

  • plant in a well drained substrate
  • it should be slightly acidic with pH 6-6.5
  • a mixture of potting soil, sand and pumice gravel is ideal (2:1:1)
  • cultivate outdoors outside of the frost season
  • place in the sun, with at least 3 hours of sun per day
  • Feel-good temperature is between 15 and 35 °C

The earth is allowed to “almost” dry out

You don't have to carry heavy watering cans with this plant. The main task is rather to ensure that the shrub does not become waterlogged. A sheltered location is therefore important on very rainy days.

The Australian waxflower only asks for water when its soil is almost dry. In winter, its need is so low that it is only poured in small sips.

Fertilize every now and then

At the time of purchase and after repotting, the soil in the pot is usually well saturated with nutrients. Therefore, in these cases, a whole year is not fertilized. After that, Chamelaucium uncinatum can be fertilized from April to September. A liquid fertilizer covers all needs if it is used every 4 to 8 weeks.

Cut back for a nice shape

Chamelaucium does not require regular pruning. However, pruning promotes compact growth. Therefore, cut when the plant grows out of shape. But wait until after the hibernation.

Repot if necessary

If the shrub has grown too much and the pot is too small for it, it must be repotted. However, you should leave it alone during the flowering and wintering period. That leaves spring and autumn.

Hibernation in the house

The Australian waxflower can withstand low temperatures, but its tolerance ceases in frost. This shrub must therefore overwinter indoors.

  • Plant in time
  • keep cool and bright
  • Temperature values of 5 to 10 °C are ideal
  • water occasionally

In spring, as long as there is no longer any threat of frost, the plant can go outside again, but it must be slowly acclimated to the sun.

tips

If the evergreen shrub loses some of its leaves in the winter quarters, it is probably suffering from a lack of light. Move the bucket closer to the window or install a plant lamp.(21.99€)

Category:

Vegetable garden