Queensland Waratah Tree

Queensland Waratah (Alloxylon flammeum) is one of Australia's most spectacular flowering trees and one of its rarest, an endangered rainforest species from the Atherton Tableland that settles surprisingly well into gardens. In cultivation it grows to about 7m tall and 4m wide, and in spring the crown lights up with flame red to orange flowers that honeyeaters defend like territory. Growing one is a small act of conservation with a very large reward.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers you can see from the street. The red and orange blooms sit on top of the foliage in open clusters, so the whole crown reads as colour.
• A bird magnet. Honeyeaters and other nectar feeders work the tree relentlessly through flowering.
• Garden scale, not forest scale. It stays well under its rainforest height, at about 7m, so it fits suburban blocks and even smaller gardens.
• Roots that respect infrastructure. A non-invasive root system makes it plantable near paths, driveways and services.
• Rare in the best way. An endangered species that home gardens are helping to keep in cultivation.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it a prominent position with room for the 4m crown, ideally viewed against dark foliage or open sky where the flowers can do their work.

A shade tree for smaller gardens. The single trunk and moderate canopy cast useful shade without overwhelming the block.

Driveways and avenues. Its upright habit and polite roots suit repeat planting along a drive in frost free districts.

Growing Queensland Waratah in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. It takes light frost only once established, so protect young trees through their first winters and look elsewhere if your garden freezes hard.

Soil. Well drained soil is important, but it is not fussy about fertility and tolerates poorer ground than its rainforest origins suggest.

Water and feed. Water deeply once or twice a week for the first two summers. Like most of the protea family it dislikes phosphorus, so feed only with a low phosphorus native fertiliser, and keep manures and mushroom compost away from the root zone.

Pruning. Tip prune lightly when young to encourage a full crown, then leave it alone beyond removing damaged wood after flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Queensland Waratah as 300mm pots and as advanced 45L trees. The 300mm size is a well established young tree that transplants smoothly, while the 45L brings real height and a head start of several seasons. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Be patient once planted: this species is a steady grower rather than a fast one, and it spends its early years building roots.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Native plants with red flowers for your garden
• Top bird attracting native plants
• Compare our feature trees
• Browse the Australian native range

Common questions

Is this the same plant as the NSW waratah?

No. The NSW waratah is a shrub in the genus Telopea, while this is a rainforest tree in the same family. They share the dramatic red flowers, but this one gives you height, shade and a bird filled canopy.

Will it survive frost?

Light frost only. Established trees handle the occasional minor frost, but young plants need protection, and districts with regular hard frosts are not suitable.

What fertiliser should I use?

A low phosphorus native formulation only, applied lightly in spring. Standard garden fertilisers and rich composts carry enough phosphorus to damage it, which is the one real mistake people make with this tree.

How big will it get in a garden?

Expect about 7m tall and 4m wide in cultivation. The 20m plus figures in references describe wild trees competing for light in rainforest, not garden behaviour.