Hoya australis
common waxflower
Eastern and northern Australia; western Pacific
Overview
Hoya australis is an evergreen twining climber in the dogbane family, reaching 10-30 feet (3-9 m) where it can climb into trees, with trailing or twining stems that root where they touch moist ground. The thick, almost succulent leaves are rounded to oval, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, glossy deep green, and store water that helps the plant tolerate dry spells. From summer into autumn, rounded umbels of 15-40 flowers open along the older stems. Each flower is a waxy five-pointed star about 0.6-0.8 inch (1.5-2 cm) across, white with a red or pink centre, and the clusters release a strong sweet scent, mainly in the evening. The flowers produce sticky nectar that can drip from the umbels onto surfaces below. The species grows along the coast and in rainforest margins of eastern and northern Australia and on Pacific islands, climbing rocks, cliffs, and trees. It is frost tender and grows outdoors only in warm, frost-free districts, though it is widely grown as an indoor plant elsewhere. The waxy fragrant flowers and climbing habit suit warm verandahs, frost-free trellises, pergolas, and containers trained on a support.
Native Range
Hoya australis is native to eastern and northern Australia, from coastal Queensland and New South Wales to the Northern Territory, and it also occurs on islands of the western Pacific. It grows along the coast, on rocky headlands, and at rainforest margins, climbing trees, cliffs, and boulders.Suggested Uses
Grown on warm verandahs, frost-free trellises, pergolas, and in hanging containers trained on a support. The waxy fragrant flowers suit positions near seating and entrances where the evening scent is noticed. Frost sensitivity limits outdoor use to warm climates, though it adapts well to indoor culture in brighter rooms.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from summer into autumn, with flushes often repeating on the same short flower spurs year after year. Rounded umbels of waxy white star flowers open along the older stems and release a strong evening fragrance. The old flower stalks are retained and produce new buds, so they are left in place.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with red to pink centreFoliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Hoya australis in bright, filtered light or morning sun on a coarse, very free-draining mix or in well-drained soil in frost-free districts. Water when the top of the mix dries, then allow it to dry again, since the succulent leaves store moisture and the roots rot in constantly wet conditions. A trellis, post, or other support lets the twining stems climb. Feed lightly through the warmer months and reduce watering in winter. Leave the bare flower stalks in place after blooming, as new flowers form on the same spurs.Pruning
Prune only to control length or remove dead or damaged stems, ideally in spring. Leave the short flower spurs intact, as they rebloom in following seasons. Cut stems exude a milky sap that can mark surfaces and irritate sensitive skin.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons