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
