Waxflower

Waxflowers are underestimated flowers. They might not have strong scents like lilies or show-stopping blooms like roses, but they are in fact the foundation of many flower arrangements and without them you wouldn’t be able to achieve that natural, wild look that so many of us love.

Besides being extremely long lasting, the waxflower, also called chamelaucium, has a mild fragrance which makes them a very popular addition to bridal bouquets as well as being a great choice to include in your weekly flower delivery for your home.

History & origin of Waxflower

Discovered in 1819, the waxflower originated from the southwest of Western Australia, where the French botanist Rene Louiche Desfontaines gave the plant its botanical name Chamelaucium. The slight waxy feel of its petals is believed to be the reason for its name.

Meaning & symbolism of Waxflower

Waxflowers have long been associated with good luck and best wishes of lasting success. However, it’s also a symbol of enduring wealth and riches. In Australia it’s believed that the waxflower symbolises happy memories and a new beginning and is therefore used in most weddings. 

Waxflower colours & shades

The waxflower usually comes in white, light pink, dark pink, deep purple and deep red. However, the most popular colour among florists is white and pink. For weddings the white waxflower is a popular choice as it blends in perfectly with flowers such as pink roses, peonies and ranunculus.

How to grow waxflower

The waxflower is a good option if you are a beginner gardener, since it prefers to be left alone to thrive. It blooms throughout winter and spring with the flowering peak during the dead season of winter when all other plants are gone.

The plant needs a well-drained soil and does not like puddles of water. They also need to be fed with organic matter or they will take longer time to bloom. Since the waxflower usually grown on the Australian coast, it likes sandy soil.

This plant is very forgiving with weather conditions and can thrive in both dry climates as well as hard winter months. However, it needs to be placed in direct sunlight so it can get full, all-day sun.

Different types of waxflowers

Geraldton Wax

Scientifically known as Chamelaucium Uncinatum, is the most common type of waxflower and also the most cultivated variety.

Axillare

This variety flowers during the summer and can grow up to 7 feet tall. It has pink, red and white flowers and is also referred to as “esperance waxflower”, Esperance being a town on the south coast of Western Australia.

Brevifolium

The brevifolium is one of the smallest Chamelaucium and can only grow up to 4 feet tall. It produces white flowers with a very strong beautiful scent.

Ciliatum

You can find this variety growing on rocky soils and does not like the sandy soils as the rest of the wax flower varieties. The Ciliantum grows up to 5 feet tall in height and produce white flowers.

Confertiflorum

With a height of only 3 feet tall, this is the smallest Chamelaucium there is and also produces white smaller flowers.

Drummondii

With a unique shape and fascinating colour shades, the Drummondii variety can grow up to 4 feet tall and gives us white and pink flowers.

Megalopetalum – Large Waxflower

This variety has the biggest blooms of all of the waxflower types. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and has white, pink, cream and yellow flowers.

Looking for a bouquet with waxflowers and same day delivery? We at LOV Flowers are happy to announce we now deliver same day within London! Simply place your order before 1pm Monday to Friday. If you need your flowers sent anywhere else in the UK, then choose our free next day flower delivery.

Also read: How to revive wilted hydrangeas