Telopea speciosissima (NSW Waratah) is a flowering shrub or small tree that is found natively in the region that surrounds Sydney in New South Wales. The NSW Waratah produces stunning red flowers that are culturally symbolic, very attractive to birds and commercially popular as a cut flower. Plants are also frost-resistant and only require a little maintenance and water.
Suitable for Dry and Temperate climates.
Telopea speciosissima is one of five species in the Telopea genus that also includes Telopea truncata (Tasmanian Waratah), Telopea aspera (New England Waratah), Telopea mongaensis (Braidwood Waratah and Telopea oreades (Gippsland or Victorian Waratah).
A close relative to Proteas, all the Telopeas have similar qualities that include distinctive large flowers and a remarkable ability to regenerate quickly after a fire.
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Growth
Telopea speciosissima is perennial evergreen native that grows to a height of around 4 metres (13 feet) but has been seen to reach heights of up to 10 metres (33 feet). In the right conditions, they are suitable as a small tree or large shrub that can spread to around 2 metres (7 feet) wide.
The New South Wales Waratah prefers a loamy soil with good drainage that doesn’t become to boggy. They enjoy regular moisture, especially during the warmer months and when flowering. When grown in containers, they should be checked annually prior to Spring to ensure the soil hasn’t become to compacted.
Plants enjoy nutrient-poor soils that are slightly acidic and don’t require much watering except during flowering periods. A native fertiliser that doesn’t contain phosphorous is preferred when feeding.
In ideal conditions, flowering usually begins in 3-5 years when growing from seed.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Proteaceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 40°C / 23 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (13 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metre (7 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Birds and Bees.
MATURITY:
3-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
21-28 days at 18-25°C / 62-77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 25
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT TELOPEA SPECIOSISSIMA (NSW Waratah)
The red flower of the NSW Waratah is perhaps the most recognisable floral symbol in Australia. It is found on many NSW state government logos, used widely in advertising and has been the inspiration behind many art and building projects.
The New South Wales rugby team, the NSW Waratahs is the only sporting team in Australia with a floral symbol in its name.
Telopea speciosissima is today a commercially grown cut-flower with farms north of Sydney, east of Melbourne as well as New Zealand, Israel and even in Hawaii. As the flower only blooms for five weeks a year, growers have found success in planting across different latitudes to extend the season.
