Geraldton wax
Chamelaucium uncinatum, family Myrtaceae
A hardy Australian shrub with long-lasting white or pink flowers
Geraldton wax is a shrub native to Western Australia, known for its white or pink flowers that bloom from June to November. Its blooms last well after cutting, making it popular in gardens and the cut flower trade, and its aromatic leaves are sometimes used in cooking.
- Native to Western Australia and widely grown in gardens
- Flowers are white, pink, or purple and last well after cutting
- Aromatic leaves used in cooking for citrus flavor
- Blooms from June to November
- Hardy and drought-tolerant shrub
What does Geraldton wax look like?
Geraldton wax is an upright shrub that grows from half a meter to four meters tall. It has slender, hooked leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The plant produces small, five-petalled flowers that are usually white or pink, sometimes with mauve or purple tinges. These flowers resemble those of the tea tree and are valued for their long vase life after cutting.
Where does Geraldton wax come from?
This plant is endemic to Western Australia, meaning it grows wild only in that region. The Latin name 'uncinatum' refers to the hooked tips of its leaves. Over time, Geraldton wax has become widely grown across Australia, both in gardens and for the cut flower industry. Its hardiness and attractive flowers have led to the development of many cultivated varieties.
When and how Geraldton wax blooms
Geraldton wax blooms from June to November, thriving in Mediterranean climates with sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in pots or gardens. While it can survive in more humid places, it may not live as long there. The plant is also used as a rootstock for grafting related species.
How Geraldton wax is used
Its flowers are popular in floral arrangements because they last a long time after being cut. Gardeners value the plant for its hardiness and decorative blooms. The aromatic leaves can be used in cooking to add a citrus flavor, similar to lemon myrtle or Kaffir lime, and are sometimes infused in oils or spirits.
Kinds of Geraldton wax
There are many cultivated varieties of Geraldton wax, selected for flower color and blooming time. While wild plants are usually white with mauve tinges, commercial varieties include deeper purple forms such as 'Early Purple' and 'Purple Pride.' These cultivars are propagated for both home gardens and the cut flower market.
What Geraldton wax means
Geraldton wax is widely grown and used in Australia, especially in Western Australia where it is native. Its use in the cut flower industry and as a garden plant is well established. The aromatic leaves are a recent addition to Australian cuisine, where they are used for their citrus flavor.
Where to see Geraldton wax
🇦🇺 Perth · Aug to NovKings Park and the Western Australian Botanic GardenA bushland park above Perth with a botanic garden devoted to the flora of Western Australia.Questions people ask about Geraldton wax
Where does Geraldton wax come from?
Geraldton wax is native to Western Australia, where it grows wild and is also widely cultivated.
What does Geraldton wax look like?
It is an upright shrub with slender, hooked leaves and small, five-petalled flowers that are usually white or pink, sometimes with purple tinges.
When does Geraldton wax flower?
It blooms from June to November, producing flowers that last a long time after cutting.
How is Geraldton wax used?
The plant is popular in gardens and as a cut flower. Its aromatic leaves are also used in cooking to add a citrus flavor.
Are there different varieties of Geraldton wax?
Yes, many varieties have been developed, including those with deeper purple flowers and different blooming times.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Chamelaucium uncinatumRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Chamelaucium uncinatum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Chamelaucium uncinatum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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