Telopea speciosissima

Waratahs should be planted at least 1.5 m apart or into very large pots placed in a partially shaded area that is able to receive morning sun. Regular watering is necessary and mulch soil with composted leaf mulch should be used to prevent roots drying out.

The easiest way to propagate waratahs is from seed - the fresher the better - but it is also possible to strike them from cuttings. Seedling plants take about five years to flower, while cuttings may take only two years. Seed pods take about six months to mature, at which time they turn brown and split open. Seeds are winged for wind dispersal and there may be more than 250 seeds on one flowerhead in a good year.

Sow seeds in a pot filled with a well-drained seed raising mix, cover with a fine layer of mix and water well. Transplant seedlings into a freely draining potting mix that does not contain any added nutrients and add some slow-release low phosphorus fertiliser several weeks later.

Waratahs flower over a six-week period in spring in the Sydney region, but later in cooler areas. The size and shape of the blooms can vary considerably, as can the range of naturally occurring colours, although the majority are red and pink.