New Waratahs
Most people would be familiar with the New South Wales state floral emblem, the waratah (Telopea speciosissima). Although its traditional red flower is much loved by Australians, the colour is not so popular for the export bloom market. Another problem with the waratah is that it is difficult to grow unless conditions suit it perfectly.
Neil Kirby and Tony Foster have been cross-pollinating waratahs since 1986, in an effort to breed plants with flowers of different shapes, sizes and colours. As well the plants need to be adaptable to a wider range of growing conditions and have a vigorous growth habit. An important feature in the presentation of the blooms is the bracts, or floral leaves at the base of the flower. Tony explained that even though a variety such as ‘Cardinal’ has a beautiful deep red flower, it has small bracts which detract from its appearance. ‘Scarlet Ribbons’ on the other hand has very attractive, long, thin bracts.
New varieties shown in our segment:
‘Brimstone Blush’ – the flowers have white styles, giving the flowerheads a pinkish tinge
‘Brimstone Sunset’ – pale pink flowers
‘Cardinal’ – deep red flowers with small bracts
‘Scarlet Ribbons’ – red flowers with long, thin hanging bracts
‘Songlines’ – deep red medium sized blooms with loosely cupped bracts
‘Wirrimbirra White’ – creamy-white flowers
These varieties will grow along the coastal ranges of Australia from Gympie to Hobart, and in the Adelaide hills. They will also grow in the Perth and the south west of WA, but may be best planted in pots because they require well-drained acid soil and adequate moisture.
Growing waratahs
Waratahs must have deep, free-draining, sandy loam soil. Soils with a high clay content are not suitable as drainage will be poor. Basalt soils are best. If you do not provide these growing conditions waratahs will eventually die. To check drainage, dig a hole, fill it with water and time how long the water takes to drain. The water should drain away in 2 hours (Neil and Tony recommend a rate of 100-200mm per hour for drainage).
Other options include growing them behind a retaining wall backfilled with suitable soil, or in large pots in a free-draining native plant mix. Pot plants must never be allowed to dry out or the waratah will die, however the pot must be well-drained to prevent water logging.
Waratahs grow naturally in dabbled light. They prefer a position in part shade with morning sunshine. Mulch the soil with composted leaf mulch to stop the roots drying out, and fertilise with ‘blood and bone’ or a low-phosphorus slow-release fertiliser, such as Osmocote for Natives, in late winter. Prune after flowering to reinvigorate the plants and encourage new shoots.
Further information
Our segment was filmed with Neil Kirby and Tony Foster
Yellow Rock Native Nursery Pty Ltd
163 Singles Ridge & Long Angle Road
Winmalee NSW 2777
Phone: (02) 4754 2637
Yellow Rock Native Nursery is a wholesale nursery and does not deal direct to the public. Some of the new varieties are available now, or can be ordered through your local nursery (however, they may be hard to find in WA). Plants in 140mm (6″) pots cost around $15. Also look for red and white waratah flowers for sale at your local florist.