Geraldton wax Chamelaucium uncinatum
Geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Coastal sand plains of Western Australia (around Geraldton to Perth). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Geraldton wax in your garden →
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Geraldton wax at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal sand plains of Western Australia (around Geraldton to Perth) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Geraldton wax toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Geraldton wax
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Geraldton wax
- How far apart should I plant Geraldton wax?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Geraldton wax need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Geraldton wax need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Geraldton wax?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Geraldton wax flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks.
- Is Geraldton wax poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Geraldton wax?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Geraldton wax. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- Needle-like leaves that smell of lemon when crushed and masses of waxy white, pink or purple cup flowers from late winter into spring. A major cut flower grown for export in Australia, Israel and California.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium