Chamelaucium

About 20 species of evergreen tender shrubs belong to the genus Chamelaucium, which in nature grow up to 3 m in height, and when grown in pots only up to 50-60 cm. They are characterized by small, thin, very fragrant leaves, often transformed into needles, and cup-shaped flowers of five petals, externally and to the touch seem waxy (so in Europe they are called "wax flowers"). They bloom in early spring. Fruits are tricuspid seed pods. The most common species is Chamelaucium uncinatum. This is a tall or medium-sized shrub, very branched from the base, with a lemon smell. Fully opened flowers have a delicate aroma of sandalwood and are collected in small apical inflorescences consisting of 2-4 flowers. The botanical species has pink flowers with a purple core, but it produces numerous decorative forms with a variety of flower colors: from white or creamy-white ('White 'and ' White'). Snow flake') to pink ('Orchid', 'Wendy Rose'), red or purple ('Magenta pride', 'Red eye', 'Red'). Other types are much less common. Chamelacium ciliata (Ch. ciliatum) is an erect dwarf shrub with linear-lanceolate pointed leaves and white flowers that turn red by the end of flowering. In Chamelacium Halla (Ch. hallii), the flowers are colored in dark pink and purplish-white shades. Large-petaled Chamelacium (Ch. megalopetalum) is a small erect shrub with oblong leaves and single flowers with white or cream petals, which turn red at the end of flowering, and the core becomes green. And finally, the Beauty of Vanneroo variety with white-purple flowers deserves special attention.

About 20 species of evergreen tender shrubs belong to the genus Chamelaucium, which in nature grow up to 3 m in height, and when grown in pots only up to 50-60 cm. They are characterized by small, thin, very fragrant leaves, often transformed into needles, and cup-shaped flowers of five petals, externally and to the touch seem waxy (so in Europe they are called "wax flowers"). They bloom in early spring. Fruits are tricuspid seed pods.

The most common species is Chamelaucium uncinatum. This is a tall or medium-sized shrub, very branched from the base, with a lemon smell. Fully opened flowers have a delicate aroma of sandalwood and are collected in small apical inflorescences consisting of 2-4 flowers. The botanical species has pink flowers with a purple core, but it produces numerous decorative forms with a variety of flower colors: from white or creamy-white ('White 'and ' White'). Snow flake') to pink ('Orchid', 'Wendy Rose'), red or purple ('Magenta pride', 'Red eye', 'Red'). Other types are much less common.

Chamelacium ciliata (Ch. ciliatum) is an erect dwarf shrub with linear-lanceolate pointed leaves and white flowers that turn red by the end of flowering.

In Chamelacium Halla (Ch. hallii), the flowers are colored in dark pink and purplish-white shades.

Large-petaled Chamelacium (Ch. megalopetalum) is a small erect shrub with oblong leaves and single flowers with white or cream petals, which turn red at the end of flowering, and the core becomes green. And finally, the Beauty of Vanneroo variety with white-purple flowers deserves special attention.

Cultivation

Chamelacium can only be planted outdoors in mild climates; in areas with cold winters, they are grown in pots that are only exposed to the air during the warm season. These plants are also used as flowers for cutting, as they stand in vases for a very long time. Plant on a permanent place of planting in the open ground in the spring, in light, sandy or with a large number of pebbles soil. The soil should be permeable to moisture, with a neutral acidity. Application of complex fertilizers is practiced when planting 20 g per plant. Soil for growing crops in pots are made up of peat and fertile land with the addition of sand and complex fertilizer in the amount of 20 g per bucket of soil. Once every 15-20 days, a complex fertilizer in the amount of 10 g per bucket is added to the water for watering young and potted plants, as well as after flowering and pruning, and, in addition, at the stage of intensive growth (spring). After flowering, cut the branches to half the length, so that the bushes look more neat and compact.

Location

Chamelacium prefers an open, sunny place.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to high air temperature, but do not tolerate temperatures below 7-10 °C.

Watering

Chamelaciums grow in fairly dry ground, so they are watered moderately in spring and summer, and very little in autumn and winter.

Transplant

Produced in spring after flowering and pruning. Use more spacious pots compared to the previous ones, or replace part of the old soil, while the root neck should remain above the surface of the soil, which is not recommended to loosen significantly.

Care

This applies primarily to potted plants, they remove withered flowers and damaged parts.

Reproduction

It is extremely difficult to propagate chamelacium both by sowing seeds and by cuttings. The first method is used only in specialized nurseries. Semi-woody cuttings 7-8 cm long are taken after flowering. They are put in boxes with peat and covered with a piece of plastic. Root formation is a long and difficult process.

Diseases

Grape mealybugs interfere with the normal growth and development of plants. Treatment with anticoccidal drugs is recommended. Rotting of the roots is provoked by various fungi, among them - honey agaric (Armillaria mellea). Affected plants should be removed.

Acquisition

Chamelaciums can only be found in extremely well-stocked gardening centers and nurseries. They are purchased in the winter months to enjoy the flowering longer. Choose blooming plants with lots of buds.