ABOUT THE WARATAH

Why you should have this symbol of beauty and magnificence!

• The waratah grows naturally all along the east coast of Australia and in Tasmania. Most flowers are red and pink, and the size and shape vary according to the region. The most spectacular is the NSW waratah (Telopea speciosissima), which yellow includes variety a known creamy as ‘Wirrimbirra White’ and the vigorous hybrid ‘Shady Lady Yellow’.

• The NSW waratah grows as a large shrub up to 4m and produces its large inflorescences of many small individual flowers – supported by petal-like crimson bracts – for about six weeks in spring (later in cooler regions).

• The flowers are filled with nectar so are a magnet for birds. However, the perfume is minimal so they are simply a visual spectacle.