# Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

Australian native seed packet from Native Seed Co.

- Price: A$14.00 per 1 packet, AUD incl. GST
- Availability: in stock
- Shop page: https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/525
- SKU: NSC-525
- Packet contents: approx. 6 seeds

Waratah is a striking Australian icon, known for its bold crimson flower heads that stand tall above dark, leathery leaves. Blooming in spring, its vivid blooms command attention, drawing nectar birds and giving any garden a dramatic native centrepiece.

The Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is New South Wales' floral emblem and one of Australia's most recognizable native flowers. This magnificent shrub produces spectacular crimson flower heads that can reach up to 10cm across, creating a stunning display in spring. The bold red flowers are surrounded by distinctive red bracts and sit atop dark green, leathery leaves.

## Growing specifications

- Origin: Sandstone country of central-eastern New South Wales
- Form: large shrub (long-lived perennial); height 3–4 m
- Sun: full sun or part shade
- Soil: sandy, loam
- Drought tolerance: moderate
- Frost: light frost only
- Coastal / salt tolerant: no
- Suited climates: temperate, cool temperate
- Flowering season: spring
- Sowing season: spring, autumn
- Germination: 14–28 days
- Seed pre-treatment: none
- Attracts: honeyeaters, birds
- Garden uses: feature shrub, cut flower, bird garden
- Notes: Floral emblem of NSW. Deep, acidic, free-draining soil and a low-phosphorus fertiliser are essential; expect first flowers after 3–5 years.

## Highlights

- Bold crimson flower heads that stand tall above dark leaves
- Blooming in spring with vivid, commanding blooms
- Draws nectar birds to your garden
- Creates a dramatic native centrepiece

## How to sow

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination.
2. Use a well-draining, acidic seed-raising mix with good organic content.
3. Sow seeds on the surface and lightly cover with fine sand, about 1-2mm deep.
4. Keep consistently moist in a warm, bright location away from direct sun.
5. Germination can take 4-8 weeks, so patience is required.
6. Transplant when seedlings are 10-15cm tall and well-established.

## Care

- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods - Waratahs need regular water but not waterlogged conditions.
- Use acidic, well-draining soil with good organic content - they prefer pH 5.5-6.5 for optimal growth.
- Apply low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer in spring - avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers which can damage roots.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Protect from strong winds and frost when young - mature plants are more resilient but still frost-sensitive.

Markdown version of https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/525. Catalogue index: https://www.nativeseedco.org/llms.txt