Telopea speciosissima aka New South Wales Waratah

Telopea speciosissima, or waratah, is an evergreen shrub from Australia. It belongs to the Proteaceae family. Its native range lies in eastern New South Wales. There, it grows in dry sclerophyll forests on sandstone soils. The species comes from a subtropical region. Kiwi rose is another name used for this plant.

In gardens, it reaches about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Its spread is about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres). Plants take 10–20 years to reach their full size. Young shrubs have a bushy shape but can grow untidy with age. The narrow, oval leaves reach about 0.8 feet (0.25 metres) long. These evergreen leaves remain on the shrub through the year.

Rich red flower heads appear in spring. Each head spans about 0.3–0.5 feet (0.10–0.15 metres). Many upright, tubular flowers form each head, with bracts around them. Brown, woody pods follow the flowers. These look like beans and split open as they ripen. The opened pods can stay on the shrub for months. The flowers also yield nectar that people can sip. They can use it to make a sweet drink.

Choose a sheltered spot with sun or part shade. The soil should be slightly acid, sandy, and moist. Good drainage matters, even though the roots need moisture. The RHS also lists loam as a suitable soil. Outdoors, the plant needs a site free from frost. Its RHS rating is H2, so it cannot survive freezing. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11. Under glass, use peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand. Give it full light and ample water during growth. Feed monthly with a low-nitrogen, low-phosphate fertiliser during this time. Cut back watering in winter.

Waratah suits coastal gardens, courtyards, patios, and containers in suitable climates. It can also grow at a sunny woodland edge. The RHS reports few routine pest or disease problems. Sow fresh, ripe seed in containers in a cold frame. Summer propagation options include semi-ripe or leaf-bud cuttings with bottom heat. People also use the stems to make baskets. PFAF records no known medicinal uses or hazards. Its food use concerns the nectar, not the whole plant. That record does not establish that every part is safe.