A new and distinct Chamelaucium cultivar named ‘ROTEMWAX’ is disclosed, characterized by a unique deep pink color throughout the flower. The new variety is early blooming and is very well branched. The new variety is a Chamelaucium, normally producing cut flower stems, or as a garden or container plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Chamelaucium uncinatum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The newChamelauciumcultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Nitzan Nir, in Kfar Hess, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to produce newChamelauciumvarieties for ornamental commercial applications. The new variety was selected as a hybrid seedling from the breeding program at a commercial nursery in Kfar Hess, Israel.

The seed parent is the unpatented variety referred to asChamelaucium uncinatum‘M.B.Violet’ The pollen parent is the unpatented variety referred to asChamelaucium uncinatum‘M.B. Orchid’. The new variety was discovered in December of 2008 by the inventor in a group of seedlings resulting from the previously mentioned crossing in a commercial nursery in Kfar Hess, Israel.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar has been performed by vegetative cuttings. This was first performed at a commercial nursery in Kfar Hess, Israel in November of 2009 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘ROTEMWAX’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘ROTEMWAX’ as a new and distinctChamelauciumcultivar:1. Early blooming season.2. Unique deep pink flower throughout flower.3. Medium flower size.4. Large quantity of flowers.5. Well branched plants.

PARENT COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ are similar to plants of the seed parent,Chamelaucium uncinatum‘M.B. Violet’ in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ produce flowers of a darker pink, at an earlier bloom date than the seed parent. ‘ROTEMWAX’ also produces a more branched habit and more flowers compared to the seed parent.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ are similar to plants of the pollen parent;Chamelaucium uncinatum‘M.B. Orchid’ in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ produce flowers of a much darker pink color, at an earlier bloom date than the pollen parent.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ are comparable to the varietyChamelaucium uncinatum‘Eden’, unpatented. The twoChamelauciumvarieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety ‘ROTEMWAX’ produces flowers with a more deep pink color, whereas flowers of ‘Eden’ are a deeper purple color. Additionally, plants of ‘ROTEMWAX’ produce more flowers and buds per plant. Plants of ‘ROTEMWAX’ are better branched than plants of ‘Eden’ and produce flowers earlier in the season.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘ROTEMWAX’ can also be compared to the commercial varietyChamelaucium uncinatum‘Early Violet’, unpatented. These varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however plants of ‘ROTEMWAX’ branch better and produce flowers that are pink throughout, whereas flower of ‘Early Violet’ have a white ring in the center.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Mini Colour Chart 2005 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘ROTEMWAX’ plants grown outdoors in Kfar Hess, Israel. The growing temperature ranged from 15° C. to 35° C. during the day and from −2° C. to 35° C. during the night. General light conditions are bright, normal sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.Botanical classification:Chamelaucium uncinatum‘ROTEMWAX’.Age of plant described: At least 2 months old from a rooted cutting.Typical flowering stems harvested per plant: 120 to 150 during the course of the season.Vase life of flowers: Two weeks.

PROPAGATION

Time to produce a rooted plantlet: 30 to 60 days at approximately 24° C.Root description: Fibrous.

PLANT

FOLIAGE

Leaf:Arrangement.—Opposite.Quantity.—Approximately 6 leaves, in the 10-15 cm section from the top of the branch.Average length.—1.8 cm.Average width.—0.1 cm.Shape of blade.—Needle.Apex.—Acute.Base.—Attenuate.Margin.—Entire.Texture.—Glabrous all surfaces.Pubescence.—None.Aspect.—Straight, occurring at approximately a 15 to 45 degree angle.Color.—Young foliage: Near RHS Yellow-Green 147B. Mature foliage: Near RHS Green 137A.Venation.—Indistinguishable from foliage.Petiole.—Not present.

FLOWER

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Seeds and fruits: Single flower produces one fruit. When the fruit is fertile, it will produce 1 seed, occasionally 2 seeds. Fruit type is a nut, colored near Grey-Brown N199A, seed is unwinged colored approximately 1.5 mm, brown in color, too minute to accurately measure color with RHS chart.Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests ofChamelauciumhave been observed to date.Temperature tolerance: From −2° C. to 35° C.Drought tolerance: Very good tolerance for drought.