Meaning
The generic name Telopea is derived from the Greek 'telopos', meaning 'seen from afar', and refers to the great distance from which the crimson flowers are discernible. The specific name speciosissima is the superlative of the Latin adjective 'speciosus', meaning 'beautiful' or 'handsome'. 'Waratah', the Aboriginal name for the species, was adopted by early settlers at Port Jackson.
 
     
 

Taking Care

 
 

Can you grow the Waratah ?

 
 

The area where one proposes to plant Waratah should be tested for drainage by digging a hole the size of a bucket and filling the hole with water and observing the time it takes to drain away, if this is less than 5 minutes it is satisfactory and a good start. Areas naturally growing bracken have grown waratahs well in the past.

If drainage is a problem, may be a raised bed incorporating crushed sandstone may be an alternative.

Once good drainage is established, good watering is necessary.

Waratahs are poor competitors and will not perform well close to most eucalypts, so should be planted away at least the distance of the height of a mature tree.

 
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