Small-calyxed Waxberry Plant Care

Small-calyxed Waxberry (Astroloma microcalyx) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Astroloma genus. Small-calyxed Waxberry is native to the south west of Western Australia.

Small-calyxed Waxberry displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Small-calyxed Waxberry produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Small-calyxed Waxberry every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Small-calyxed Waxberry thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Astroloma microcalyx tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Small-calyxed Waxberry prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Small-calyxed Waxberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Small-calyxed Waxberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Small-calyxed Waxberry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Small-calyxed Waxberry can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Small-calyxed Waxberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Small-calyxed Waxberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Small-calyxed Waxberry can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dwarf brush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Small-calyxed Waxberry is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Small-calyxed Waxberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Small-calyxed Waxberry is native to the south west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Small-calyxed Waxberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.