NSW Waratah
Telopea speciosissima
Telopea speciosissima, commonly known as the New South Wales Waratah, is a spectacular large shrub native to the southeastern parts of Australia and is the floral emblem of NSW. It is famous for its large, striking, bright crimson-red dome-shaped flower heads that bloom in spring, surrounded by dark green, leathery, serrated leaves. It grows in sandy, well-draining sandstone soils and is a prized cut flower globally.
Native Origin & Climate
Sandstone ridges, dry sclerophyll forests, and shrublands of central and coastal New South Wales.
Expert Pruning Tip
Prune heavily immediately after spring flowering, cutting the stems back by about half. This stimulates new shoots and ensures abundant, large red blooms for the next year.
In-Situ Environment
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Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Green Thumb Required. Demanding. Requires specific well-draining sandstone soil and has a sensitive root system.
Full sun to dappled morning sun. Requires at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily to flower well. Protect from high-temperature direct afternoon summer sun if possible.
Low to Moderate. Water regularly until established, but once mature it is very drought-tolerant. Sensitive to wet feet and root rot; always let the soil dry out.
Extremely well-draining, sandy, acidic, low-phosphorus soil. Never apply standard fertilizer; use low-phosphorus fertilizers designed specifically for Australian natives.
Adapted to cool, damp winters and dry, warm summers. Tolerates wind and light frost, but struggles in high, wet subtropical humidity.
Propagation is done from seed or semi-hardwood stem cuttings during summer.
Bold, dramatic, and wild. Massive crimson-red flower heads and deep green serrated leaves create a striking, iconic Australian native texture.
Ideal as a garden feature plant in open sunny beds, rockeries, or large well-draining tubs with native soil.
Outdoor
Safe:Non-toxic to humans and pets. Supports native nectar-feeding birds like honeyeaters.
Local Availability
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