Benara Nurseries works closely with Australian and international plant breeders in the production of new plant hybrids for the wider landscape and retail market. Chamelaucium – or Geraldton Wax – originally an endemic flowering shrub of Western Australia and a member of the myrtaceae family, is one such example. Innovative compact varieties are breathing new life into this old favourite, as it experiences renewed popularity in the wholesale cut flower market.
Western Australia alone, contains some 12,500 native plant species, however Australian flora overall is largely underdeveloped. Considerable and exciting opportunities therefore await, for new hybrid developments through controlled breeding programs. Benara Nurseries works with breeders such as Helix Australia for cut flower waxflower varieties, and the team at Kings Park and Botanic Garden led by Senior Plant Breeder Digby Growns.
New Chamelaucium varieties are bred for their attractive waxy flowers, which are aromatic and entice a variety of pollinators, and can appear from as early as June through to late November depending on the variety. Their flowers range in brilliant hues from bright white through to pinks and deep reds, and even purple. Certain cultivars are double flowering with frilly inner petals, while others still have two-toned flowers or blooms that change colour with age.
A purpose-bred variety that is destined to become a garden favourite, is the new release Chamelaucium Meghan (PBR) from the Kings Park breeding program. A real show stopper, its pink blooms are borne upon tall stems of fine green foliage, as it flowers en masse from mid-Spring and into Summer.
Already a fan favourite amongst Benara’s regular clientele is the fast-growing Chamelaucium Local Hero (PBR). Developed by Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, it creates an outstanding display from early spring when it is covered in glossy red buds. These in time, open to an abundance of mauve/pink flowers. Working with the SAS Resources Fund, the shrub aims to do so much more than beautify a garden; with $1 from the sale of each plant donated to the SAS Resources Fund, who in turn assist current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families, who suffer hardship because of their service with the Special Air Service Regiment.
Similar varieties in the pink and mauve spectrum, include: Chamelaucium Cha Cha (PBR), and the large petaled flowers of Chamelaucium Dee's Delight (PBR), Chamelaucium Nina's Delight (PBR), Chamelaucium Raspberry Ripple (PBR) and Chamelaucium Sarah's Delight (PBR). Simply unrivalled in its appearance however, is the unique bi-coloured Chamelaucium My Sweet Sixteen (PBR), who's waxy funnelform flowers change colour from white to pink-red as they mature.
For those chasing a purely monochromatic display, the impact of chalk-white blooms is unsurpassed in Chamelaucium Dawn Pearl (PBR), Chamelaucium Ice Queen (PBR), and Chamelaucium Morning Delight (PBR).
Being relatively hardy and easy to grow, requiring only light pruning after flowering in order to maintain a bushy shape, Chamelauciums are equally ideal for the home garden and in public landscapes.
They are a wonderful feature shrub or screening plant, suitable in native, rockery and waterwise settings; and pair well with many other native plants such as Eremophila, Grevillea and Westringia for year-round colour. For best results, plant in a full sun position in well drained soil, although they are also tolerant of coastal conditions including light drought and frost once established.
Discover these and other Chamelaucium varieties in our online plant library.