Corroboree Waratah

Corroboree Waratah (Telopea speciosissima x mongaensis 'Corroboree') is a hybrid waratah that offers many red flower heads on a shrub of about 3m. By crossing the classic waratah with its cooler-climate cousin, the breeders produced a plant that is more garden-tolerant than the pure species and flowers heavily in spring.

Why you'll love it

• Many red flower heads. It is a free flowerer, covering itself with bright red heads in spring.
• More garden tolerant. The hybrid is easier to keep alive than the species, a big plus for first-time waratah growers.
• Bird attracting. Honeyeaters and lorikeets come for the nectar.
• Good cut flower. Stems last well in a vase and the heads dry attractively.
• Evergreen. Leathery green foliage looks tidy all year round.

Where it works best

Native borders. Plant 1.5 to 2m apart in a mixed border of banksias, grevilleas and native grasses.

Specimen planting. A single shrub near the house makes a strong feature in spring.

Mounded beds. Raising the soil keeps the roots out of standing water, which is the main killer of waratahs.

Growing Corroboree Waratah in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun with afternoon shade, or filtered light. It suits warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. Like all waratahs it dislikes humid subtropical and tropical heat.

Soil. Deep, slightly acidic, free-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid heavy clay and alkaline soils.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly moist while establishing, and mulch thickly. Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser only.

Pruning. Pick flowers on long stems after bloom, which doubles as a prune. Shape lightly each year and avoid cutting into old bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Corroboree Waratah in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6, young plants that need a season or two to settle before flowering well. Plant with care, mulch and water in. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Australian native plants
• Grevilleas for the same garden
• Top bird-attracting native plants

Common questions

How is it different from the species?

Corroboree is a hybrid that is more tolerant of garden conditions and produces many red flower heads.

Does it need special fertiliser?

Yes. Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser only.

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It is hard going. It prefers cooler, drier-aired gardens.

How long until it flowers well?

Young plants usually need a season or two to settle, and the display builds as the shrub fills out. Pick flowers on long stems each year to keep it bushy.

Is it a good cut flower?

Yes. The red heads last well in a vase, and cutting them on long stems also acts as a gentle prune for the plant.