If you have ever admired a rustic wedding bouquet or a long-lasting floral arrangement, chances are you have seen the beautiful White Wax Flower. With its delicate five-petaled blooms and pine-scented evergreen leaves, it has become a massive favorite among florists and gardeners alike.

However, there is often confusion in the gardening world because the name “Wax Flower” is commonly used to describe two entirely different Australian native shrubs: Chamelaucium (the famous florist flower) and Philotheca (a hardy landscape shrub). Here is everything you need to know about growing and caring for both varieties.

1. Chamelaucium (The Florist’s Wax Flower)

The Chamelaucium uncinatum (often called the Geraldton Waxflower) is a dense shrub native to Western Australia that grows between 4 and 6 feet tall. It is a member of the myrtle family and is the exact plant you see in high-end floral shops.

• Floral Uses: Because of its affordability and long vase life (blooms can last 14 to 21 days in water), it is the ultimate filler flower. It has largely replaced Baby’s Breath in modern, boho, and country-style wedding bouquets.
• Growing Conditions: This shrub thrives in hot, dry climates with well-draining, sandy soil. It hates having “wet feet” and will quickly succumb to root rot if planted in heavy clay or overly moist soil.
• Watering: Water it deeply but infrequently. If you live in a hot climate, water it only when the soil becomes completely dry to the touch.

2. Philotheca (The Native Daphne)

Frequently referred to as “Native Daphnes” or landscape Wax Flowers, Philotheca is a completely different genus. These are phenomenal, aromatic shrubs perfect for coastal gardens and mixed shrubbery.

Some of the most popular landscape cultivars include:

• Philotheca myoporoides ‘Profusion’: Excellent for mixed shrubbery, producing masses of white, star-shaped flowers.
• P. buxifolius ‘Cascade of Stars’: Features an elegant, cascading habit that makes it perfect for large container gardening.
• Eriostemon australasius: Known for its appealing grey-green leaves and very showy, substantial pink flowers in the winter and spring.

How to Care for Wax Flower Shrubs

Pest Control: Protecting Your Wax Flowers

Both Chamelaucium and Philotheca are incredibly resilient and generally pest-free. However, they may occasionally experience scale insect attacks along the stems and branchlets.

These pests appear as tiny, hard brown or white bumps on the stems. Fortunately, they are easily managed by applying horticultural white oil or Neem oil to the affected areas. Spray the plant thoroughly, wait 7 to 14 days, and apply a second coat to ensure all the newly hatched scale insects are eliminated.