Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Waratah
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Waratah
Telopea speciosissima · NSW waratah
The floral emblem of New South Wales, with huge, brilliant red flower heads in spring. A showstopper that rewards careful growing.
Full sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
ChallengingCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Morning sun is ideal.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Keep moist but never wet.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Good airflow is essential.
Temperature
-3–35°C (27–95°F)
CoolWarm
Light frost.
Growth
Moderate, shrub
SlowFast
Grows 2–3 m.
Soil
Sandy, acidic, free-draining
LeanRich
Native mix with extra grit.
Fertiliser
Native fertiliser
RarelyOften
Low-phosphorus fertiliser lightly.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic.
About this plant
Waratahs grow wild in the sandstone country around Sydney. They need perfect drainage, acidic soil and good airflow. Modern hybrids are easier to grow and some suit large pots.
Best spots
Sunny or part-shaded native gardens and large pots with excellent drainage.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Telopea speciosissima |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Origin | New South Wales, Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Mature size | 2–3 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Leathery serrated leaves |
| Flowers | Large red domed heads |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Sudden death | Root rot; drainage is critical. |
| Leggy | Prune hard after flowering, taking long stems for vases. |
| Yellow leaves | Phosphorus or alkaline soil. |
| No flowers | Too young or too shaded. |
| Scale | Horticultural oil. |
Common questions
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes, hybrids in a large pot with native mix.
When does it flower?
Spring.
How do I prune?
Cut long stems when picking flowers.
Is it hard to grow?
It's fussy about drainage.
