| Waratahs
- A Few Facts By Jeff Howes - Adapted from Blandfordia - April, 2004 If you have been unable to grow a Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) both in the ground and in pots, let alone get one to flower, there is a great book entitled 'The Waratah' (Paul Nixon, Kangaroo Press, 1997). It is full of valuable information on how to successfully grow Waratah and get them to flower. The following are a few facts from the book (in no particular order): * The best soil for them is deep, free draining, with a north, north-east or north-west aspect to ensure maximum sun. * They usually grow 1 - 3 metres high and if in deep fertile soil free of competition, they will grow to 5 metres. * They normally flower at the spring equinox. * Once flowering has started to open, the bushes should be well watered, as stress at this time will cause added bract burn. * They are frost hardy to -12 degrees C. * The primary cultivation requirement is similar to the requirements of citrus namely a well-drained site. * When planting one sure method of achieving positive drainage is to place the plant on the ground or above ground surface - do not dig a hole but mound around the plant to form a bed. * They respond to very high levels of nutrition - especially Blood and Bone and farm manures (not fresh poultry manure). * The ideal NPK ratio for fertilisers is: N of 15-20%, P of 2-5% and K of 5-10%. * Apply fertiliser to correspond with leaf growth - Spring and Autumn. * Pests - too many to list, but the main pest is the borer that attacks the ripening bud. Look out for sawdust at the base of the bud for sign of activity. Use carbaryl or Endosulphon (although I am sure Confidor will work - JH). * Pruning juvenile Waratahs is desirable to make the plant divide and encourage basal growth. * In the wild, they flower best after bush fires as they are free from root competition for a few years at least. Lack of root competition in the home garden is recommended. * Flower buds develop early in the year, so it is in bud for 7 to 8 months. * Vase life of flowers is 10 to 14 days. To get an extra week pour a cup of water over the flower each day. * You can expect 500 flowers to a plant in ideal conditions, although 250 blooms is a more realistic total. * Fresh seed germinates readily. The seed deteriorates fairly rapidly unless stored at low temperature, low humidity and not in a plastic bag. |
