shrub

New South Wales Waratah, Waratah

Telopea speciosissima

The Story

Plant Bio

Telopea speciosissima, the New South Wales waratah, is an upright, long-lived evergreen shrub endemic to the sandstone country of the Sydney basin. It develops one to several slender, erect stems from a woody underground lignotuber, bearing leathery, dark green leaves with prominently raised veins and toothed margins.

The species is distinguished by its massive, dome-shaped spring inflorescences, which consist of up to two hundred and fifty individual tubular red flowers clustered within a basal collar of bright red, papery bracts. New foliage growth frequently emerges with bronze or rusty-hairy tones before maturing to deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, architectural red flower heads that are highly prized as long-lasting cut flowers and dramatic garden features.

The robust underground lignotuber allows the plant to regenerate successfully after fire or severe physical damage.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native honeyeaters, bees, butterflies, and small nectar-feeding mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia (New South Wales)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with loose, acidic to neutral sandy loam that provides exceptional physical drainage.
Position the plant where it receives morning sun and protection from harsh, direct afternoon summer sunlight.
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, ensuring the roots never dry out completely or sit in waterlogged soil.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native fertiliser strictly after the spring flowering period has concluded.
Prune the flowering canes hard annually, cutting back half to two-thirds of their length to maintain a compact form.

Pro Tip

Prune spent flowering stems back by half to two-thirds immediately after flowering to stimulate strong new growth and prevent the plant from becoming sparse and leggy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp, free-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Prune hard immediately after flowering to encourage next year's buds.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated for native Proteaceae.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining soils.
Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely during dry spells.
Do not prune deeply into old, dry wood that lacks dormant buds.
Do not apply standard garden fertilisers high in phosphorus.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingFeature shrub in native gardensCut flower productionUnderstory planting in light shade

Companion Plants

Ceratopetalum gummiferum Philotheca myoporoides Crowea saligna Banksia spinulosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

New South Wales Waratah, Waratah questions

What zones can New South Wales Waratah, Waratah grow in?

New South Wales Waratah, Waratah is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does New South Wales Waratah, Waratah bloom?

New South Wales Waratah, Waratah typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does New South Wales Waratah, Waratah need full sun?

New South Wales Waratah, Waratah does best in part shade.