NSW Waratah - locally selected form

This is a seedling Waratah I was given by Mr Paul Nixon, a famous selector of the Brimstone Collection series of selected varieties of NSW Waratahs. This plant was grown from wild collected seed, so it is a genuine Telopea speciosissima - not a hybrid. This is apparent from the flower shape, and the heavily serrated leaves.
 
These Waratahs are local to the Sandstone plateau just below Robertson, near Kangaloon, and the points further north. They are not native to the Robertson red basalt soil, however, they thrive in this soil. However, as they are local plants (to the area) and as they do so well here, Robertson is proud to feature Waratahs in public and private gardens in the village. 

 Not surprisingly, I can report that the wild Waratahs in the local "bush" are starting to flower - so keep an eye out, if you are down on the sandstone plateau around Carrington Falls and Kangaloon.

Please remember that these plants are wild, and are protected, so enjoy them but please do not cut them - leave them to seed and propagate themselves as Nature intends.