Wax Flower Plant
Commonly called ‘Wax Flowers’ Philotheca myoporoides are related to Boronia and were previously known as Eriostemon myoporoides.
Grown for theaAttractive flowers and easy to grow in a range of soil conditions some varieties are now being offered as cultivars. Look for these if you must, however the species themselves are attractive enough to warrant attention. The flowers do look a little like Daphne flowers, so sometimes they are called the Native Daphne.
Some varieties are more upright that others, and even the species P. myoporoides comes in a long leafed and a short leafed form.
The species Philotheca myoporoides (syn Eriostemon myoporoides) is one of the most widely grown in gardens. This is an evergreen native shrub also known as the long-leaf wax flower plant (see picture right). Sometimes called the Native Daphne, it is the foliage that gives the citrus like fragrance, however flower may be ‘Daphne Like’ in appearance.
Reaching around 1.5m depending on conditions this is a drought tolerant plant well suited to full sun. In requires a well drained soil and is relatively care free.
Used as a low hedging plant or as a feature plant it can be grown in containers.
Care and growing conditions
All species require a well drained soil and a semi shaded position. Watch for P. buxifolius ‘Cascade Of Stars’, great for embankments and covering retaining walls.
Once established they are remarkably drought tolerant and easy care, however some water through the first summer is advisable, in very dry periods the occasional deep watering will enhance flowering.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy habit.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Philotheca myoporoides (syn. Eriostemon myoporoides)
- Common Names – Wax Flower and Long Leafed Wax Flower, also Native Daphne.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Well drained humus rich.
- Flowers – Pink buds opening to white.
- Flowering time – Spring to summer, spot flowering though to autumn.
- Foliage – Mid Green.
- Height – To around 1 metre in height.
- Spread – Will spread to around 1 metre.
- Frost tolerant – Yes once established.
- Drought tolerant – Yes, once established.
Other Varieties
- Philotheca verrucosus is the ‘Bendigo wax flower’.
- Philotheca are found through New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia (Philotheca nodiflora)
Philotheca myoporoides are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au