Telopea Braidwood Brilliant - Waratah

Telopea 'Braidwood Brilliant’ is an evergreen bush similar to proteas, which offers spectacular spring flowering. From May to June, sometimes July, large globular inflorescences appear in a bright and shiny red, formed by tubular flowers surrounded by bracts of the same colour. Hardy down to -9°C, this rare and original plant is ideal in mild climates. Its cultivation can be delicate in overly rich soil and in humid summer climates.

From the Proteaceae family, Telopea plants are woody plants native to Australia. In Aboriginal, they are called Waratah. Telopea 'Braidwood Brilliant’ is a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between Telopea speciosissima, the floral emblem of New South Wales in Australia, and Telopea monganensis, also native to New South Wales, developed by the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. The 'Braidwood Brilliant’ cultivar forms a bushy shrub that can reach 2 to 3 m in height with a 2 m spread. Its narrow and long leaves are dark green and evergreen. Its 6 to 8 cm diameter inflorescences consist of about a hundred tubular flowers gathered in a ball and surrounded by bracts. The whole is cherry red to fuchsia pink. They make excellent cut flowers.

Telopea 'Braidwood Brilliant’ is an original plant that, although delicate to grow in humid climates, will bring an exotic touch to your garden or terrace. It is best suited for mild climates or coastal gardens spared from heavy frosts. It prefers light, well-draining soils, with an acidic tendency, low in nitrates and phosphorus. It can be planted as a standalone specimen, on a large slope, in a border, in a mixed hedge, or even in a large container, in a sheltered and sunny position. Pair it with Cordyline 'Charlie Boy' with its pink-edged foliage and a Leucadendron 'Sundance'. Add a Leptospermum 'Coral Candy' to complete your exotic border.