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.