Waratah Telopea speciosissima
Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Central coast and ranges of New South Wales. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Waratah in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Waratah at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central coast and ranges of New South Wales |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Waratah toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported for waratah in ASPCA or poison-centre references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Waratah
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Waratah in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (2 plants)
Questions about Waratah
- How far apart should I plant Waratah?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Waratah need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Waratah need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Waratah?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Waratah flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Waratah poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported for waratah in ASPCA or poison-centre references.
- What grows well with Waratah?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Waratah. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Proteaceae are sensitive to phosphorus: use low-phosphorus fertiliser and avoid rich soil.
- Needs sharp drainage and light shade at the roots; flowers in spring in Australia, mapped to the northern calendar.
- Slow to establish. Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia
- Common sugarbush Protea repens