Shady Lady Crimson Waratah

Shady Lady Crimson Waratah (Telopea speciosissima x oreades 'Shady Lady Crimson') is a vigorous hybrid waratah to about 3m with crimson flower heads in spring. Its mountain-forest parent gives it a tolerance of more shade and heavier soil than the classic waratah, which makes it one of the more forgiving waratahs to grow.

Why you'll love it

• Tolerates more shade. It flowers in dappled light where the species would sulk, opening up woodland positions.
• Copes with heavier soil. It is more tolerant of soils that hold more moisture, though good drainage still matters.
• Crimson heads. Large crimson flowers appear in spring, followed by a long cut flower season.
• Vigorous. It establishes with more energy than many waratahs.
• Bird friendly. Nectar draws honeyeaters and lorikeets.

Where it works best

Woodland and shaded beds. Plant under tall trees where there is bright, filtered light. Space plants 2m apart.

Native borders. It teams well with tree ferns, correas and native grasses.

Cut flower patches. A row gives a good supply of crimson blooms for the vase.

Growing Shady Lady Crimson in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled or morning sun is ideal, and it also accepts part shade. It suits warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. It does not like humid subtropical or tropical heat.

Soil. Slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage. It tolerates heavier soil than the species, but never waterlogged ground.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, with a thick layer of mulch. Use only low-phosphorus native fertiliser.

Pruning. Pick flowers on long stems after bloom, which also tip prunes the plant. Avoid cutting into old bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Shady Lady Crimson Waratah in 140mm pots in packs of 10. These are young plants that need a season or two to settle before heavy flowering. Plant carefully without breaking up the root ball, 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
• Plants for partial shade
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

Can it grow in shade?

It tolerates more shade than the species, but flowers best in bright, dappled or morning light.

Does it handle clay?

It copes better than the species, though you should still improve drainage by mounding.

What fertiliser should I use?

Only a low-phosphorus native fertiliser.

When does it flower?

In spring, with crimson heads that last well in a vase. Young plants may need a season or two before flowering heavily.

How much shade can it take?

It copes with bright, dappled or part shade, but flowers best with some sun each day. Deep shade will reduce flowering.