All about Waxflower – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

From the genus of shrubs, Waxflower is a fragrant type of flower boasting of a delicate bloom with five petals, ten stamens, small hardened fruit, and small leaves that contain scented oil glands. With a botanical name of Chamelaucium from the family Myrtaceae, this flowering plant is endemic to Western Australia. It is also popular in Illinois, Florida, Indianapolis, Alabama, and other parts of the US. This plant enjoys a warm and dry climate and the subtropical environment.

The woody evergreen shrubs of this plant are unique in its waxy petals and fragrant leaves. The plant can grow from 15 centimeters to as high as 3 meters or 10 feet. When the leaves are crushed, they give that aromatic scent and pleasant smell. Most of the plants bloom all year round but they become abundant from October to April.

This flowering plant blooms in the late winter season or in the early spring. They are a wonderful addition to garden plants because they are easy to grow and care for. Cut flowers of Waxflowers are also a great choice for flower arrangements and bouquets because of the distinct scent, beautiful flowers and leaves, and long-lasting vase life.

• History of Waxflower

The discovery of Waxflower is believed to have happened in 1819 when Rene Louiche Desfontaines, one of the famous French botanists of his time, found the plant near the coastal areas. The slight waxy feel of its petal was believed to be the reason for its name. Moreover, Waxflower is botanically named as harmelaucium. The most common species of Waxflower is the Geraldton Wax with a botanical name of Chamelaucium Uncinatum. This species was cultivated widely in the world because of the eye-catching and large blooms it produces. It was named in honor of the town Geraldton in Australia.

Waxflower was found in the communities of heathland where there is plenty of sand and granite. There are abundant plants of this species in the gardens and fields across Australia.

• Meaning of Waxflower

Waxflowers have been associated with some popular meanings and symbolism. The flower is used to express good luck and best wishes of lasting success. It is also symbolic of enduring wealth and riches. In terms of love and romance, this flower symbolizes a lasting love or love that endures time and trials. However, in Australia, this flower is used in most of the weddings because it symbolizes a wedding filled with good and happy memories and a new beginning.

• Waxflower Facts

Waxflowers are quick-growing shrubs, and they can grow as tall as six feet in height. The blooms come in deep purple or deep red color accentuated with berry-like buds in its shiny coat. The deep green shade of the leaves and its needle-like style make an attractive design for home and office desks. More hybrids and cultivars are being introduced. Some of them have pink, white, and red color of blooms.

Waxflowers have been used in different floral designs. For weddings, a floral crown of Waxflower is a perfect choice. The bride can also have her wedding or bridal bouquet styled with this flower since it comes in a range of colors like pink, lavender, red, yellow, and white. A boho style festival or celebration will also look great when accentuated with Waxflower blooms and its fragrant leaves. The best thing about this flower nowadays is that its price is very affordable. Not only for bouquets, but this flower looks great on top of the tables, weekly flower delivery for lobby or reception and desks. Table centerpieces can be more unique when added with this shiny and scented flower.

The flower is also used as cake embellishment or table napkin decoration for formal dinners. The flowers of Waxflower are not only a piece of decorative items but also a fresh scent to keep the room more festive.

Flowers are available in white and in different shades and hues of pink and red. Dyed Waxflowers are also available, commonly in yellow color and other metallic shades.

There are four common hybrid species identified as Waxflowers. They are the Album which has white flowers, Bundara Excelsior with large, pink flowers, Purple Pride with reddish-purple flowers, and University with its red stems and rose-purple flowers.

• How to Care for Waxflower

According to our expert florist in Singapore, well-drained soil is the most ideal type of soil for this plant. It can thrive in soil rich in organic matters. However, it would be best if the soil is sandy and moisture sparse because this is what this plant loves most. In fact, they were found in Australia growing in this type of soil.

Waxflowers are the type that prefers dryer climate and sunny weather. Being a hardy plant, they can stand and endure extreme drought and frost climates. Although they can withstand extreme temperature and weather, it is still beneficial to the plant if you will do light pruning once in a while. You can also add some plant foods or fertilizers and water them when it is too hot or sunny.

This type of plant is also attractive to some pests and plant diseases, which is why it is important to check on them at least once every month to make sure that you will have beautiful blooms on the blooming season. Aphids, sucking insects, and powdery mildews are among the pests and diseases to watch out for when growing Waxflowers. Moreover, the plant requires minimal maintenance that you can even forget about it.

The waxy and shiny flowers and leaves, plus the pleasing aroma, are not only eye-catching but inspiring because a bouquet of Waxflowers definitely brings cheerfulness and good feelings to everyone.