shrub

Tasmanian Waratah

The Story

Plant Bio

Telopea truncata, the Tasmanian waratah, is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the moist mountain forests of Tasmania. It produces terminal clusters of ten to thirty-five tubular red flowers that lack the large, showy bracts of its mainland relatives.

This species is distinguished by its narrow, leathery, deep green leaves and fine brownish hairs on young branchlets and unopened buds. It is the most cold-tolerant of the waratahs, adapting well to cool, damp oceanic climates with acidic soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking terminal clusters of tubular red flowers and stiff, architectural evergreen foliage.

Serves as an excellent structural or focal plant in cool, acidic woodland landscapes.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds and other local pollinators in North American gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

140"

Width

90"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia (Tasmania)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with exceptional drainage and acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.0) rich in organic matter.
Provide full sun to partial shade, ensuring protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer microclimates.
Water consistently to maintain even moisture, as the root system will collapse under severe dry spells.
Apply a certified low-phosphorus or native-formulated slow-release fertilizer sparingly once a year in spring.

Pro Tip

Prune spent flowering stems back by half immediately after blooming to stimulate vigorous branching; cutting into old, leafless wood that lacks dormant buds will prevent regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune spent stems back by half immediately after flowering to maintain a bushy habit.
Provide consistent moisture and afternoon shade in warmer microclimates.
Use only low-phosphorus or zero-phosphorus fertilizers to avoid toxicity.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where water can pool.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood lacking dormant buds.
Do not use standard garden composts or fertilizers containing high phosphorus levels.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingUnderstory plantingCool-climate woodland gardensArchitectural borders

Companion Plants

Embothrium coccineum Vaccinium ovatum Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tasmanian Waratah questions

What zones can Tasmanian Waratah grow in?

Tasmanian Waratah is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tasmanian Waratah deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tasmanian Waratah, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tasmanian Waratah bloom?

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

Does Tasmanian Waratah need full sun?

Tasmanian Waratah does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.