If you are new to growing Waratah Plants then the one to plant is ‘Braidwood Brilliant’. This is a hybrid between Telopea speciosissima and Telopea mongaenenis.
Bred in the Australian National Botanical Garden in 1962 it is frost hardy, (see below) long flowering . So follow the basic rules for growing Waratahs and with ‘Braidwood Brilliant’ you should be successful
How to Grow Telopea ‘Braidwood Brilliant’
Do not plant into the garden until the plant has flowered at least once. – This gives it a chance to develop a lignotuber which is its natural survival mechanism.
- Choose a position in full sun to a little afternoon shade
- Good drainage is essential so hill up the soil to raise the garden bed if drainage is poor.
- Plant you Waratah away from other plants, a weed free area that is well mulched. The root system does not like competition.
- The buds form in early Autumn, frosts can damage the buds however not the plant itself..
- As the flowers begin to open in spring, begin watering if needed. A good deep watering once a week will be sufficient.
- Fertilise in spring and autumn, use good old blood and bone with a handful of rock minerals.
Landscaping Uses
Excellent when used as a flowering feature tree, also used as an informal hedging plant.
It is a tall plant so also used at the rear of the garden border.
‘Braidwood Brilliant’ attracts nectar seeking birds as well as insects to the garden. Being dense growing it also acts as a habitat for birds.
The flowers are used as cut flowers for the long stems and long lasting red flowers.
Summary Information fo ‘Braidwood Brilliant’
- Botanical Name : Telopea ‘Braidwood Brilliant’
- Common Name: ‘Braidwood Brilliant’ Waratah
- Family : Proteaceae
- Climate Zones : Cool to Warm Temperate zines, Mediterranean type climate.
- Position : Full sun to light shade.
- Soil : Well drained, slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Height : 2 metres (6ft) plus
- Spread : To around 2 metres wide.
- Lifespan : This is a long lived perennial plant.
- Root system : Regarded as non invasive.
- Foliage : Mid to deep evergreen.
- Flowers : Red and long lasting
- Flowering Time : Spring to summer depending on climate.
- Frost tolerance : Tolerates light frosts
- Drought Tolerance : Medium