Waxflower are woody evergreen shrubs that grow 0.5–3.0 metres tall. The leaves are tiny to medium sized, and contain oil glands that often give off a pleasant aroma when crushed. The distinguishing feature of waxflower is its large masses of small flowers. The petals have a waxy feel, which gives rise to the plant’s name. The flowers range in size from 9-26mm in diameter, and in colour from white to mauve or maroon.

Waxflower have been used as a cut flower since the 1940s, and through the 2010s, waxflower were Australia’s most significant commercial native cut flower and leading export cut flower—in terms of volume, they were in the top 20 flowers sold in Europe. Waxflower are one of the most widely used cut flowers because of their hardiness and longevity, the typical vase life is 18-20 days. The stems are very versatile in floral arrangements and newer cultivars are used as flowers in their own right.

Growers entering the cut flower industry are encouraged to do extensive research on the inherent risks and challenges throughout the value chain.

The wildflower industry, including waxflower producers, is considered a mature industry in Australia. It has an active research and development (R&D) program that assists industry members develop better production techniques, works towards industry-wide standards and identifies marketing opportunities. The wildflower industry is represented by WildFlowers Australia, which represents a diverse range of industry participants, including growers, buyers, wholesalers, exporters and importers, and research and extension specialists.

Facts and figures

• In the 2010s, waxflower were the most significant commercial native cut flower and Australia’s leading export cut flower due to its hardiness and longevity
• The most commonly used waxflower for cut flowers is Geraldton wax

Growing regions

The natural habitat of waxflower is south western Western Australia, where they commonly grow in heathland communities on sand near the coast or inland. Waxflowers also grow on granite outcrops.

Commercial waxflower production occurs mostly in central to southern Western Australia and in coastal Queensland. Production has also occurred along the Murray River in South Australia and north west Victoria. The critical requirement for location suitability is a Mediterranean climate and sandy to sandy-loam soils.

Soil type

Sand or sandy loam soils are preferred for cultivation, as waxflower is intolerant of poorly drained soils, particularly heavy clays, and waterlogged conditions.

Most varieties do not tolerate alkaline soils, although a few selections are better adapted to soils with a pH_(water) 7.5– 8.5. Growing waxflower on soils with a pH higher than this range is likely to result in nutrient deficiencies and greater management requirements to overcome such deficiencies, adding to the costs of production.

Climate

Waxflower grow well in Mediterranean-type conditions, such as the temperate climate zones that have cool wet winters and warm–hot dry summers. With careful management, waxflower have been grown in subtropical and tropical climates.

Waxflower are intolerant of frost (screen temperature less than 0°C) which is likely to render the crop unmarketable due to damage to the flower and growing tip. Severe frosts can kill the whole plant.

Warm humid conditions are undesirable because the plants and flowers can be severely affected by the grey mould Botrytis.

While a dry climate is ideal for disease management, irrigation water will be required for the summer months.

Varieties

Geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum) is the most widely cultivated species of waxflower and there are over 100 varieties available. The diversity in the range of varieties enables a flowering season from June to November, in traditional waxflower growing areas. The precise time of flowering depends on the variety grown and the season.

Other species of Chamelaucium sometimes used as cut flowers include:

• C. megalopetalum (large waxflower) with flowers that are white, large, aging to pink, red or purple; flowering September to October
• C. ciliatum (Stirling wax) with flowers that are white to pink; flowering September to November; and native to a wide range of soil types, including gravel and clay soils
• C. floriferum (Walpole wax) with flowers that are pinkish-white with purple centre; flowering season August to November.

Some of the most sought after waxflowers are hybrids between C. uncinatum and C. megalopetalum. These white flowered hybrids are collectively known as Pearlflowers, to distinguish them from the generic waxflower, and most of them are protected by Plant Breeders Rights. Examples of white flowered hybrids with this parentage include Bridal Pearl, Esperance Pearl, Denmark Pearl, Crystal Pearl and Ivory Pearl.

There are other hybrids between C. uncinatum and C. megalopetalum that are known as Gemflowers. Examples of these higher quality coloured hybrids include Purple Gem, Pastel Gem and Painted Lady.

There are inter-genus hybrids between C. uncinatum and Verticordia plumose that are called Starflowers. These varieties have small terminal massed flowers with pale to deep pink colours. They are generally more tolerant to ethylene than other cultivars and may need to be managed for this. Examples include Jasper, Southern Stars and Eric John.

Irrigated agriculture and horticulture enterprises generally have compatible infrastructure to adapt to growing waxflower. Infrastructure and equipment for planting and crop management include machinery for site preparation, tractors for mowing and towing flower trailers, fertiliser spreaders, pesticide application equipment and irrigation infrastructure and equipment.

Harvesting and pruning equipment may include various hand picking tools, hedge trimmers, and/or machinery adapted or designed for mechanical pruning and harvesting.

Waxflower are not harvested until the second year after establishment and they can be productive for 10 years. The plants are usually harvested every couple of days over a 5–7 month period (May to November). Harvesting of waxflower is very labour intensive, as stems are cut by hand, when the number of flowers open is between 30-70%, depending on variety, time of season and market requirements. Waxflower plants will need to be pruned after harvest to maintain good stem length and maximise yields for subsequent harvests, as well as to keep the bushes to a manageable size.

Stems are normally graded depending on the market to which they are being sent. Waxflowers are very susceptible to ethylene, which will cause bud drop, so exposure to exhausts, ripening fruit and vegetables should be minimised and flowers ‘pulsed’ or treated with anti-ethylene compounds during the post-harvest period. Flowers for export will require disinfestation and treatment for fungal diseases.

There is a wide range of market opportunities for wildflower growers (including but not solely waxflower). Markets can be local, regional, national or international. Each has its own range of management requirements.

At the local level, wildflowers can be sold to local florists, farm or roadside stalls, farmers’ markets, restaurants, motels and resorts. Ideally, the farm will be located within an hour’s drive of these customers, and deliveries can be made twice a week. Regular supply and excellent service will be critical to maintain the market.

Individually or in cooperative arrangements, growers may sell to florists that require a year-round supply of a variety of lines. Flowers need to be packed in flower boxes and delivered direct to florists over a large geographical area. Setting up an effective and economic transport network is critical, as is keeping in close contact with customers about orders and payments.

If the flowers are produced close to a capital city, there is the opportunity to sell at flower markets, such as the Sydney Flower Market at Flemington or the National Flower Centre at the Melbourne Markets. Growers may sell their product from a stall at the market, engage an agent to sell their product or sell to a wholesaler.

Growing for export requires careful planning, based on thorough market research and an export marketing plan. Some export advisers recommend that growers learn how to sell flowers on the domestic market successfully, before taking on the export market. Only top-quality product should be exported, therefore the farm production system will need an excellent quality control system.

Risks/challenges

The greatest risk associated with the production of any cut flower is not researching the enterprise sufficiently before investing and establishing the business. Extensive research should be carried out on what species (and varieties to grow) and into which market/s the flowers will be sold. Equally important to market research, is gaining a clear understanding of the personal attributes needed to be a successful flower grower and to operate a profitable flower-growing business; and a good understanding on capital investment and time to earn returns on investment. Chapters 1 and 2 of the publication Getting Started in Wildflower Growing provide excellent guidelines for working through these considerations.

Once the business is established, many of the risks and challenges of cut flower production are associated with markets and marketing. These include understanding market requirements and volumes; competition from cheaper product available on the export market; unfavourable exchange rates; judging demand and securing orders prior to harvest; and oversupply of product driving down prices so that returns to the grower are less than the cost of production.

While excellent horticultural management will go a long way to achieving consistent flower quality, there are several potential risks (weather, pests and disease) that can only be managed to a limited extent; though good managers will be better prepared to cope with these. Crop damage, especially close to harvest time, can significantly reduce the number of stems suitable for selling and that season’s income.

Publications/information

Emerging animal and plant industries: Their value to Australia RIRDC report (2014)

Getting Started in Wildflower Growing – How to grow native Australian and South African species for the cut flower market RIRDC publication (2013)

What Cut Flower is that? The essential care and handling guide for cut flower professionals RIRDC publication (2013)

Wildflower Irrigation Handbook RIRDC publication (2013)

Improved Market Access for Australian Wildflowers through Ecolabelling RIRDC publication (2012)

On-farm Evaluation of Grafted Wildflowers for Commercial Cut Flower Production RIRDC Publication (2012)

Quality specifications for waxflower RIRDC publication (2010)

Quality specifications for pearlflower RIRDC publication (2010)

Postharvest Handling of Australian Flowers from Australian Native Plants and Related Species – A Practical Manual RIRDC publication (2010)

Improved Export Market Access for Australian Wildflowers through Integrated Pest Management RIRDC publication (2009)

Maximising root quality of waxflower tube stock suitable for field planting – RIRDC publication (2009)

WildFlowers Australia represents the wildflower industry, including growers, wholesalers, exporters and importers, flower and foliage buyers, research and extension specialists and plant growers.