Look Out – California Grown Waxflower is Back

‘Tis the season for waxflower and with it comes an abundance of those beloved fragrant flowers. Belonging to the Chamelaucium genus of shrubs and stemming from the myrtle family, they are related to Leptospermum and Thryptomene. Waxflower includes over a 100 varieties of Geraldton wax + lots of other Chamelaucium species and hybrids. Some of the more common hybrids are classified as Pearlflowers, Gemflowers or Starflowers. These amazing plants typically bloom early winter through spring, and they are widely grown for their frilly eye-catching blooms.

The name waxflower is due to the slight waxy feel of the petals. The leaves, which contain oil glands, are small to medium in size and boast a beautiful lemony fresh scent when crushed. The blooms are delicate in style, flaunting five petals, ten stamens and a small, hardened fruit.

Also known as the flower of romance, waxflower is symbolic of patience and lasting love, which makes them a popular option for Valentine’s Day and weddings. These fabulous blooms have an abundance of uses in bouquets and arrangements, as well as in flower crowns and corsages, as cake embellishments, and simply, left all alone on a desk or table to be enjoyed for weeks.

Thryptomene

Pronounced “thrip-to-mee-nee,” this Australian native shrub produces dense sprays of petite white or pink flowers winter through spring. The small, needlelike foliage is very similar to waxflower. It has a crisp, fresh and even citrus-like aroma when crushed. Thryptomene is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is closely related to myrtle, bottlebrush, Leptospermum and Eucalyptus. Currently, there are about 40 named Thryptomene species.

The two popular varieties grown for cut flowers are calycina and saxicola: Thryptomene calycina - Commonly known as Grampians heath myrtle or Victorian laceflower, this species of white and pink flowers grows wild in Victoria, Australia, in the mountainous area known as the Grampians.

Thryptomene saxicola - Commonly known as rock Thryptomene, is indigenous to the Stirling and Eyre districts of Southwestern Australia. It grows among granite boulders, and its pale pink or white flowers closely resemble waxflower.

Thryptomenes will last for up to three weeks with proper care and conditions. 

What to look for:   

1. Purchase flowers that have at least 1/3 of the flowers open. 
2. Watch for signs of blossom drop or dry brittle leaves when making selections.

Flower Care:

1. Remove the packaging and bindings immediately upon arrival.
2. Trim the stems with a sharp knife removing at least ½” from each stem.
3. Remove all leaves that fall below the water line.
4. Place the stems into a clean vase or bucket with a properly prepared flower food solution.
5. Place Thryptomene into a floral cooler at 34 F to 36 F, and allow them to hydrate for at least two hours before designing with or selling them. 
6. Provide good air circulation, high humidity and light to keep these flowers looking good.
7.  Recut the stems and change the water frequently.

Interesting Facts: The name Thryptomene comes from the Greek word meaning “made small,” alluding to the small size of most Thryptomene blossoms. The species name calycina refers to the prominent calyx of the flower. The species name saxicola comes from the Latin “saxum,” meaning “rock” or “boulder.”