Long-leaf Wax Flower

A tender, aromatic Australian shrub once known as Eriostemon myoporoides, Philotheca myoporoides has a very long flowering period. It’s a medium-sized to large, quite slow-growing, evergreen shrub with an upright, dense, rounded habit. The oblong to elliptical, deep green leaves, with paler undersides, are highly aromatic, scented of orange. In mild periods from autumn to late spring, pink buds open to single, starry, very fragrant, pinkish-white flowers. Except in completely frost-free areas, long-leaf wax flower should be grown in a cool greenhouse; it will tolerate low temperatures, down to 1ºC, but not frost. Minimal pruning needed.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Well-drained acidic to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, autumn to late spring in particular
Hardiness: Tender, to 1ºC
Height: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m) after 10-20 years

Photos by Forest and Kim Starr and licensed under CC BY 2.0.