The floral emblem of New South Wales, the waratah is a shrub that has beautiful red flowers that bloom late spring. Its a gorgeous feature to any garden & will attracts bees and nectar feeding birds when flowering.
Full sun to part shade, but protected from harsh afternoon sun
Water well after planting, requires small amount of water after it is established but do not let soil dry out
Well drained, sandy soil
Best grown in temperate/cooler climates
How to grow waratah in a garden
Choose a sheltered spot that gets morning sun
The soil should be loose and sandy. A good way to test this is to dig a hole and fill with water. If it takes more than 2 hours to drain away the soil is not suitable.
Enrich the soil with a soil improver. Add gypsum or clay breaker and fork in if the soil is clay based.
Dig the planting hole
The hole should be twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
Remove the plant from the pot & plant
Gently tease the plant out the pot, ensuring not to disturb any of the roots.
Position in the hole and gently firm down as you backfill. Form a raised ring around the plant to create a well so water is directed to the root.
Mulch
Apply mulch lightly around the base, keeping away from the trunk.
Fertilise
Feed occasionally to ensure strong root development.
How to grow waratah in a pot
Choose a pot
The pot should be at least twice the size of the plant. Position so it get full sun to half shade but protected from afternoon sun.
Use quality potting mix
Fill the pot with quality potting mix
Remove the plant from the pot & plant
Gently tease the plant out the pot, ensuring not to disturb any of the roots.
Position in the hole and gently firm down as you backfill.
Mulch
Apply mulch lightly around the base, keeping away from the trunk.
Fertilise
Feed occasionally to ensure strong root development.
Growing Tips
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth for the next season
- Ensure soil is well drained and roots are not sitting in moist soil for extended periods of time
- The best watering method is to trickle irrigate under the mulch & water deeply every couple of weeks during growing season.
- Avoid watering in late autumn/winter
- Scale insects can be an issue. Spray with a pest oil to treat.
