There are many new forms of Geraldton wax available, which are hardier than the species and vary in height, flower colour and flower size. Don looked at a beautiful new variety called 'Dancing Queen'.

Plant details

Common name: 'Dancing Queen'
Botanic name: Chamelaucium uncinatum 'Dancing Queen'

Description:

An open, evergreen shrub to around 2m (6') tall. It has aromatic, linear leaves with hooked tips, and ruffled, mauve-pink double flowers.

Best climate: Geraldton wax grows best in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and inland areas.

Uses: long-lasting cut flower garden shrub native garden container plant

Good points: beautiful, mauve-pink flowers excellent for sandy soils low moisture requirements tolerates light frosts

Downside: Not an easy plant to grow (which makes it even more rewarding when you succeed).

Care: Geraldton wax needs a full sun position for best flower displays, although it will take a little shade. It must have well-drained soil, preferably in a raised garden bed. Trim outer branches lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth, but do not cut into old wood.

Getting started: New forms of Geraldton wax such as 'Dancing Queen' may be difficult to find this season. Check with your local nursery, or a specialist native plant nursery such as:

NSW
Cranebrook Native Nursery, Cranebrook. Phone: (02) 4777 4256
Palm Land & Sydney Wildflower Nursery, Terrey Hills. Phone: (02) 9450 1555
Sydney Wildflower Nursery West, Marsden Park. Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Sydney Wildflower Nursery South, Heathcote. Phone: (02) 9548 2818

QLD
Fairhill Native Plants, Yandina. Phone: (07) 5446 7088
Nielsen's Native Nursery, Loganholme. Phone: (07) 3806 1414

VIC
Kuranga Native Nursery, Ringwood. Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Mt Cassell Native Nursery, Pomonal. Phone: (03) 5356 6351

SA
Nellie Nursery, Mannum. Phone: (08) 8569 1762

WA
Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale. Phone: (08) 9454 6260

Copyright CTC Productions 2002