Waxflower plants: Care of wax plum flowers in the garden
Waxflower plants belong to the myrtle family and bloom during the late winter and early spring flowering season. These hardy performers are popular in the cut flower industry because their flowering period lasts up to 3 weeks.
Light pruning, low food and water requirements, and minimal pest and disease problems are all characteristics of caring for caramel-colored waxberries, creating an important, low-maintenance shrub for us "lazy gardeners". Read on for information about waxflower and see if this plant is right for your garden.
Waxflower Information
Native to Australia, waxflower plants are great border plants in hot, dry areas of North America. As part of an off-site landscape or drought-tolerant garden, this perennial is unbeatable for its consistent flowering, ease of care and tolerance. Growing conditions for Chamelaucium include full sun, well-drained soil and low humidity. This shrub will bloom constantly and is perfect for cut flower arrangements.
Chamelaucium waxflower is a fast growing, thick shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet in height with a similar spread. The flowers are usually dark purple to red with bright, glossy, berry-like buds arranged in open bouquets along the ends of the stems. The leaves are dark green, evergreen, narrow, and almost needle-like. The stems have an attractive red hue, and the leaves stand out in the hue.
The flowers may reach half an inch in diameter and last for several weeks. Although the traditional form blooms in winter, several hybrids are now available with a choice of different bloom periods and shades of pink, red and white, often on the same plant.
Growing conditions for Calcium Salmela
If necessary, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter and till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches for fastest growth. Make sure the soil is well drained and add sand or other gravelly material to enhance infiltration.
Young plants will require supplemental irrigation as they grow, but mature plants can withstand fairly long periods of drought. Note that dry conditions may affect flower production, but plants will still stun with their abundant red stems and attractive foliage.
The healthiest plants are produced by mimicking the growing conditions of Chamelaucium in its native Australia, where the soil is sandy and water is scarce, except during the rainy season. A sunny spot and annual pruning will enhance the plant's form and growth while encouraging flowering.
Plant Care for Calcium Salmela
This is a plant area that has little to write home about. Salmella plants thrive in drier areas, but respond well to intermittent watering during the hot summer months.
Flowering stems can be cut at any time for floral displays. chamelaucium requires little additional food. Its native soil is so low in nutrients that commercial fertilizers may actually harm the plant. Use organic mulch as part of your Chamelaucium flower care to protect the roots from cold, prevent weeds, and gradually release needed nutrients.
One aspect of plant care for waxflower that needs to be mentioned is pruning. The stems are cut back 1/3 of the way after flowering to encourage new shoots that will produce the next season's flowers.
