Waratah

Telopea speciosissima

Iconic NSW shrub with leathery dark leaves and spectacular dome-shaped scarlet flower heads in spring. The floral emblem of New South Wales.

Hardiness ratings

Waratah hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–10 −12.2 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H4 −10 °C to −5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–6 −5 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Major nectar source for honeyeaters during the spring flowering season
  • Floral emblem of New South Wales — a culturally iconic Australian plant
  • Spring flowering is a major seasonal event in cultivated specimens
  • Demanding cultivation — needs sharply drained acidic soil, sun, and protection from waterlogging

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Waratah against your zones

Reference

Waratah on Wikipedia