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Telopea speciosissima x oreades

Shady Lady Waratahs are a range of Telopea speciosissima x oreades hybrids that have been commercially developed. They are proving easier to grow in many gardens around the country and seem to be more adaptable to cooler climates and lower light levels, thus extending the range in which waratahs can perform.

Using the New South Wales waratah as a parent with other species creates hybrids that are not only more adaptable climatically, but also have the large flower head of this iconic species.

Available from good nurseries.

Common namewaratah, Shady Lady White
Scientific nameTelopea speciosissima x oreades
FamilyProteaceae
Etymology

Genus: From Greek, telopos, meaning 'seen from afar' a reference to the conspicuous flowers.

Species: From Latin speciosus, showy and issimus, most.

DistributionTelopea speciosissima (Sm.) R.Br. Eastern New South Wales. Telopea oreades F.Muell. South-eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria.
Native habitatTelopea is a genus of five species of large shrubs or small trees, native to the south-eastern parts of Australia (New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania). The five species all occupy distinct ranges with minimal or no overlap.
DescriptionA woody shrub, 3 m high x 2 m wide, with white flowers.
Flowering/fruitingFlowers in spring.
Location in gardenBed 29 in the Connections Garden at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan.