Family: Proteaceae
Common Name: Waratah

The spectacular, scarlet flower of this Australian genus formed part of many legends of the Aboriginal peoples, who named it 'waratah'. The generic name, which comes from a Greek word meaning 'seen from afar', alludes to the brilliant colour of the flowers, which stands out from the surrounding foliage. Early writers and artists were attracted to the waratah, one describing it in glowing terms as follows: 'The most magnificent plant which the prolific soil of New Holland affords is, by common consent, both of Europeans and natives, the Waratah'. Indigenous to open forests of south-eastern Australia, the waratah belongs to the same family as banksias, grev­illeas and proteas. It is the largest of all native Australian flowers, growing to 12 cm (5 in) in diameter. The 'flower' is a head of many small, curved, tubular flowers, massed together in a close, spiral arrangement, and the leathery, green, long-stalked leaves are borne alternately on the stems. The seeds are contained in very large, leathery pods, to 12 cm (5 in) long. The very showy waratahs found in Tasmania and Victoria can be grown in cool climates, provided the situation is frost-free.

Species

T. mongaensis, Braidwood waratah, is an upright shrub, 2-4 m (6-1:3 ft) high, with a spreading, suckering growth habit. The dull, dark green leaves, to 15 cm (6 in) long, are smooth and leathery. Flowering occurs when the plants are about two years old, the deep red, showy blooms appearing throughout spring. The flower heads are flattish and up to 12 cm (5 in) in diameter.

T. mongaensis x specio­sissima, a hybrid, has been developed to obtain the best qualities of both species. It has less showy flowers than T. speciosissima, but the colour is a darker red, and the growth is more compact, with smaller, smoother leaves.

T. ore­ades, Gippsland waratah, is a taller shrub or small tree, to 6 m (20 ft), with a slender, upright, branching habit. It has smaller, looser, red flower heads, to 8 cm (3 in) across, and smooth, oval to lance-shaped leaves.

T. specio­sissima, the floral emblem of New South Wales, is the most spectacular species. This vig­orous, many branched shrub grows to about 3 m (10 ft) and has stiff, leathery, dark green leaves, serrated at the edges. The magnificent, scarlet flower heads are 10-15 cm (4-6 in) in diameter, sometimes surrounded by prominent bracts. These spring blooms make excellent cut flowers. 'Wirrimbirra White' is a rare, white-flowering form.

T. oreades x T. speciosissima, a hybrid to 3 m (10 ft), has masses of red flower heads in spring.

T. trancata, Tasmanian waratah, from wet, mountainous regions, is suitable for growing in cool climates. Growing about 2-3 m (6-10 ft), it has smaller, flatter heads of scarlet flowers. The smooth, oblong leaves are around 10 cm (4 in) long and the dense flower heads have silky, hairy bracts.

Cultivation

Waratahs prefer deep, friable, well-drained, acid soil, to which a large quantity of decayed leaf mulch has been added prior to planting. Most species require plenty of mois­ture, especially in summer, but soil drainage must be good. Most also like a semi-shaded sit­uation, with protection from wind, thriving if grown under tall trees. Once established, waratahs respond to slow-release fertilizers. Low-nitrogen, low-phosphorus types are rec­ommended. Waratahs flower only once every five years in the wild, but with good cultivation and pruning, they will flower annually. This is particularly true of cultivars. They make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers and are also attrac­tive in dried arrangements. If left on the plant, cut back the flower stems to about half the length of each stalk after the flowers have died. Pruning is recommended to encourage blooms for the following season. Cut some stems right back to the ground every four to five years. The setting of seed will interrupt the next season's flowering, as one waratah bloom is capable of producing as many as 250 seeds. Propagate from seed sown in early spring, or from leaf bud cuttings taken in late spring, though these may be slow to strike. In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in pots of acid, sandy, soil-based potting compost. Ensure excellent light.

Climate

Frost-free. Zone 9-10.