Telopea oreades

RHS Plant Profile
Gippsland waratah
Shrubs Trees

An half-hardy evergreen shrub or small tree, up to around 10m high in cultivation though often much smaller, with an upright, branching habit and matt dark green leaves to 30cm long. Showy flowerheads are borne at the tips of the stems in summer, each with 40-60 tubular, curving, reddish pink or occasionally white flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Proteaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Telopea are large, evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery leaves and large, colourful flowers borne at the ends of the branches
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

In mild, frost free areas, may be grown outdoors in sandy, slightly acid soil in a sunny, sheltered position. In areas prone to frosts, grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, in bright, filtered light. Water freely in growth and sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or root semi-ripe or leaf-bud cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free