{"product_id":"nsw-waratah-telopea-speciosissima","title":"NSW Waratah - Telopea speciosissima","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe NSW Waratah (\u003cem\u003eTelopea speciosissima\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of Australia's most spectacular native shrubs, an upright, lignotuberous plant of 2 to 3m that carries giant crimson flower heads, up to 15cm across, ringed with showy bracts in spring. It is also the floral emblem of its home state. It rewards gardeners who can give it what it wants: deep, acidic soil and perfect drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnmistakable crimson flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e The huge domed heads are made of hundreds of tiny flowers and draw the eye from across the garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBird magnet.\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeyeaters and lorikeets feed on the nectar-rich blooms, so the garden fills with life in spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCut flower.\u003c\/strong\u003e The heads last well in a vase and make a dramatic indoor display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen structure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Leathery, toothed leaves keep the shrub tidy all year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResprouts after fire or hard pruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e The woody base can regrow if the top is lost, giving it staying power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it with banksias, grevilleas and eucalypt woodland, in well-mulched beds. Space plants 2m apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature position.\u003c\/strong\u003e A single plant makes a strong focal point near a path or window, where the flowers can be seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaised beds and slopes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Where drainage is doubtful, plant on a mound or slope so water cannot pool around the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing NSW Waratah in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Morning sun with afternoon protection, or filtered light under tall trees. It is best in warm temperate and cool temperate gardens with cool, moist winters. It struggles in humid subtropical and tropical conditions, where root diseases and heat take a toll.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep, acidic, perfectly drained soil rich in organic matter. Heavy clay and alkaline ground suit it poorly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly in the first two summers, keeping the roots cool with a thick mulch of leaf litter. Use only a low-phosphorus native fertiliser, because high phosphorus can damage the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut spent flower heads off with a long stem for the vase, which also tip prunes and shapes the plant. Do not cut into old bare wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell NSW Waratah in 140mm pots in packs of 10, young plants that need a season or two of care to establish before they flower well. Plant carefully without disturbing the roots, mulch, and water in. This is a challenging plant, best placed in a prepared position. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/australian-natives\"\u003eBrowse Australian natives\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/banksias\"\u003eBanksias to plant alongside\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/rare-australian-native-plants-guide\"\u003eA guide to rare Australian native plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy do waratahs fail?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoor drainage, high phosphorus and humid heat are the usual causes. Prepare the soil well and use only low-phosphorus fertiliser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen does it flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spring. Young plants may need a few years to bloom well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, with a deep pot, premium native mix and good drainage, though ground planting is easier.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"140mm (Pack of 10)","offer_id":68095114871103,"sku":"TEL-SPE-140MM-P10","price":239.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/nsw-waratah-telopea-speciosissima.jpg?v=1794663474","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/nsw-waratah-telopea-speciosissima","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}