Telopea speciosissima aka New South Wales Waratah

Telopea speciosissima, commonly known as the New South Wales waratah or simply waratah, is a large evergreen shrub in the plant family Proteaceae. It is endemic to New South Wales in Australia and is the floral emblem of that state. The shrub can grow to a height of 3 or 4 meters with dark green leaves and multiple stems arising from a woody base called a lignotuber. It is well-known for its striking large red springtime inflorescences, which consist of hundreds of individual flowers and attract various animals such as the eastern pygmy possum, honeyeaters, and insects. Telopea speciosissima has been featured prominently in art, architecture, and advertising, especially since Australian federation. It is commercially grown as a cut flower in several countries and is also cultivated in home gardens. It requires good drainage and adequate moisture but is susceptible to fungal diseases and pests. Cultivars with different shades of red, pink, and even white flowers are available, and horticulturists have developed hybrids with T. oreades and T. mongaensis that are more tolerant of cold, shade, and heavier soils. This evergreen shrub prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It cannot tolerate shade and prefers moist soil.