Philotheca myoporoides

Wax Flower Plant

Philotheca myoporoides, commonly known as Wax Flower, is a reliable and attractive Australian native shrub grown for its delicate blooms and easy-care nature. Previously classified as Eriostemon myoporoides, this species remains one of the most popular choices for home gardens.

Closely related to Boronia, Wax Flowers are appreciated for their massed spring display and adaptability across a range of soil conditions. While modern cultivars are now available, the natural species itself is more than worthy of a place in the garden.

Why Grow Philotheca myoporoides?

With soft pink buds opening to white star-shaped flowers, this plant brings a light, refined look to garden beds.

The flowers are often compared to Daphne, which explains the common name Native Daphne. However, it’s the foliage that provides the real surprise — when crushed, it releases a pleasant citrus fragrance.

Different forms exist, including both long-leaf and short-leaf types, with some plants more upright and others slightly spreading.

Plant Description

• Evergreen native shrub
• Typically reaches around 1–1.5 metres in height
• Similar spread, forming a rounded, bushy shape
• Mid-green foliage with aromatic oils
• Flowers from spring into summer, sometimes extending into autumn

This is one of the most widely grown species in the genus, valued for both reliability and ornamental appeal.

Best Growing Conditions

Philotheca myoporoides is relatively forgiving, but performs best with a few key conditions:

• Position: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained, preferably with some organic matter
• Watering: Moderate while establishing, then low

Once established, plants are drought tolerant and require minimal intervention. However, some watering during the first summer helps establish a strong root system. Occasional deep watering during extended dry periods will improve flowering.

Uses in the Garden

This is a versatile shrub suited to a range of landscape uses:

• Low informal hedging
• Feature planting in native gardens
• Container growing on patios
• Mixed shrub borders

Its neat habit and manageable size make it particularly useful in smaller gardens.

Companion Plants

Pairs well with other Australian natives such as:

• Grevillea
• Westringia
• Correa

Pruning and Maintenance

Maintenance is simple:

• Lightly prune after flowering
• Aim to maintain a dense, bushy shape
• Avoid heavy pruning into old wood

Regular light trimming encourages better flowering and a more compact form.

How to Propagate Philotheca myoporoides

Philotheca can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Use a free-draining propagation mix and keep humidity high until roots develop.

Summary Information

• Botanical Name: Philotheca myoporoides (syn. Eriostemon myoporoides)
• Common Names: Wax Flower, Long-leaf Wax Flower, Native Daphne
• Height: Around 1 metre (up to 1.5m in ideal conditions)
• Spread: Around 1 metre
• Flowers: Pink buds opening to white
• Flowering Time: Spring to summer, occasional autumn flowering
• Foliage: Mid green, aromatic
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich
• Frost Tolerance: Yes, once established
• Drought Tolerance: Yes, once established

Other Philotheca Varieties

Other species worth noting include:

• Philotheca verrucosa — commonly known as Bendigo Wax Flower
• Philotheca buxifolia ‘Cascade of Stars’ — excellent for embankments and retaining walls
• Philotheca nodiflora — found in Western Australia

Philotheca species are naturally distributed across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Where To Buy

GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
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

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