21/10/2026
Story behind the Stems-
Waratah
Telopea speciosissima
Boldness • Presence • Pride
With its spectacular flowerhead rising above deep green foliage, the Waratah is one of Australia’s most unmistakable native flowers. Native to the sandstone country and coastal bushland of New South Wales, it bursts into bloom in spring, bringing bold colour to the Australian landscape.
The Aboriginal word from which Waratah comes is warada, from the Dharug language of the Sydney region. Its botanical name, Telopea, comes from the Greek telopos, meaning “seen from afar” — a fitting name for a flower that naturally commands attention. Speciosissima, from Latin, means “most beautiful” or “most showy.”
What appears to be one magnificent flower is actually a cluster of many tiny individual flowers, surrounded by colourful bracts. Rich in nectar, these flowers attract birds and other pollinators to the bushland where they grow.
The Waratah is also the floral emblem of New South Wales and a protected native species, reminding us of the importance of preserving these remarkable flowers in the wild.
Here on the Central Coast, we’re lucky enough to see Waratahs growing wild in our own bushland. They’re flowering now around Warrah Trig, on the way to Patonga — look for their brilliant red flowerheads rising above the bush.
A Wyld Thought
“Some things are meant to be seen.”
A Little Care
Give Waratah stems a fresh trim and place them in clean water.
Keep the water fresh and your Waratah somewhere cool, away from direct sunlight, heat and ripening fruit.
Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to age more quickly.
Collect the stories as they bloom
