Native Climbers

Wax flower — Hoya australis

Hoya australis

Host plant for butterflies and insects Pollinator favourite Shelter for wildlife Showy flowers Resilient garden plant

$7.00

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In stock and available to order

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Plant profile

At a glance

The essentials for finding the right garden position.

Mature size: Height: climbing 3–6 m+ · Width: variable with support
Light: Part shade, Full shade
Water: Dry, Moist
Soil: Loamy, Rocky
Drainage: Free-draining
Vegetation type: Rainforest, Wet Eucalypt
Plant lifespan: Long-lived perennial
Plant form: Climbers

Plant ratings

A quick guide to this plant’s value for wildlife and the garden.

Bird food value
Host plant value
Pollinator value
Shelter & habitat value
Flower display
Garden resilience

About this plant

A twining rainforest vine with thick glossy leaves and rounded clusters of fragrant, waxy white flowers with pink centres. It is an excellent choice for a trellis, fence, hanging basket or sheltered patio where its flowers can be appreciated up close.

Image credits:
Mature image: Forest and Kim Starr via NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — CC BY 2.0
Feature image: Samuel Frankel via iNaturalist — CC BY 4.0

More plant details

Garden uses: Trellis, fence, pergola, hanging basket, container, sheltered courtyard and rainforest-style garden.
Wildlife value: Not primarily a bird-food plant, though its flowers and foliage support insects that birds may forage on. A recorded food plant for Australian Crow butterfly caterpillars (Euploea corinna), which eat its leaves. This vine supports the butterfly’s larval stage, although the butterfly also uses other host plants. Fragrant flowers are insect-pollinated and can attract moths, butterflies and other flower visitors. Dense climbing growth can provide useful cover when trained through shrubs or over structures.
Flowering and fruiting: Rounded clusters of fragrant waxy white to cream flowers, often with pink centres, are produced mainly in spring and summer.
Growth habit: Evergreen twining vine with fleshy leaves; stems can climb several metres when supported.
Cautions: Stems contain sticky white latex. Best protected from frost and harsh exposed sun; avoid overwatering.