Small crowea (waxflower) Crowea exalata
Small crowea (waxflower) (Crowea exalata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to New South Wales and eastern Victoria. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Small crowea (waxflower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 10–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New South Wales and eastern Victoria |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Small crowea (waxflower) 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 Small crowea (waxflower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Small crowea (waxflower)
- How far apart should I plant Small crowea (waxflower)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Small crowea (waxflower) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Small crowea (waxflower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Small crowea (waxflower)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Small crowea (waxflower) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 10–17 weeks.
- Is Small crowea (waxflower) 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 Small crowea (waxflower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Small crowea (waxflower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- 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.
- A small, neat shrub with narrow aromatic leaves and pink, waxy star flowers over a long season from late summer to winter. Good in dappled shade at the front of a native border.
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 tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia