Plant of the Month – April 2024
Wax Plant
Hoya pubicalyx
As we intertwine with the Spring season, your landscape can become intertwined with our April Plant of the Month, the Wax Plant. The Wax Plant is a climbing or trailing vine that can grow over 20 feet long. It has lush foliage of long, narrow, dark green leaves that turn silvery-pink when exposed to sunlight. New growth often has a reddish tinge and their glossy texture along with unique patterns provide year-round visual interest. The most distinctive feature of the Wax Plant is its clusters of star-shaped flowers. The celebrated flowers are striking and fragrant, making them a focal point of the plant. Each cluster, known as an umbel, contains numerous individual flowers. The flowers are typically maroon to dark purple in color with shades of pink in between. They have a waxy texture and a sweet, spicy fragrance that intensifies in the evening.
The Wax Plant thrives in indirect sunlight with well-drained soil. It requires minimal maintenance, as pruning is only necessary to keep its reach at a desired length or to encourage bushier growth. Reblooming occurs continuously from the same flower stalk, so it is important to avoid removing them after they are done blossoming. When allowed, its vigorous climbing capabilities can reach great distances, ornamenting trees, fences, trellis, and any other structure used for support. From heights, its flowers cascade from above in a fantastic display. The Wax Plant also makes a great display in hanging baskets and decorative landscape containers. Be sure to add the Wax Plant to your landscape this April and May flowers will follow.
Written by: Christian Brewer, Landscape Designer