Browse plants / Proteaceae
Waratah Telopea speciosissima
Also called New South Wales waratah
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, not flowering
The NSW floral emblem, with huge crimson flower heads in spring.
A spectacular but particular plant that needs excellent drainage and good air flow. Grafted plants and selected cultivars are more reliable in gardens.
In the garden
- Leaves
- Leathery, toothed leaves.
- Attracts
- Birds
- Flowers
- Large crimson domed flower heads up to 15 cm across.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed, cuttings and grafting
Pruning
Cut long stems when picking flowers; this encourages more stems.
Where it comes from
- Native to
- New South Wales
- Natural range
- Sandstone country of the NSW coast and ranges.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Telopea speciosissima on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)