Telopea speciosissima

How to Grow Waratah

The Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is an attractive and stately shrub that has spectacular cones of vivid, usually red flowers that appear in late spring. It is the floral emblem of New South Wales and is regularly seen in artwork and floral displays. Not only does it provide a lovely feature to any garden, it also attracts bees and nectar feeding birds when in flower.

Full sun to part shade with protection from the afternoon sun

Water well after planting, requires little water once established, do not allow soil to dry out completely

Well drained, slightly acidic, sandy soil

All year, best grown in temperate and cooler climates

How to grow waratah in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to half shade and is protected from the afternoon sun. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball.

Step 3

Carefully remove the plant from the pot ensuring not to disturb any of the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it's needed most.

Step 5

Lightly mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed occasionally with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

How to grow waratah in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to half shade and is protected from the afternoon sun.