Protea Telopea waratah Red "Shady Lady" 4Liter

🌺 Telopea ‘Shady Lady Red’ – Red Waratah

Botanical Name: Telopea ‘Shady Lady Red’
Common Names: Waratah, Red Waratah, Shady Lady Waratah

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📌 Product Description

Telopea ‘Shady Lady Red’, commonly known as Red Waratah, is a spectacular evergreen shrub renowned for its large, bold crimson-red flower heads that appear in late winter to spring. Each dramatic bloom consists of hundreds of small flowers forming a striking, dome-shaped cluster surrounded by rich green foliage.

This hybrid variety is more adaptable and vigorous than many traditional Waratahs, making it suitable for well-drained South African gardens, particularly in temperate and mild coastal regions. Its long-lasting flowers are highly prized for cut flower arrangements, while the shrub itself serves as a dramatic feature plant in garden beds or containers.

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📏 Size When Fully Grown

• Height: 2 – 3 m
• Spread: 1.5 – 2 m
• Growth Habit: Upright, woody evergreen shrub
• Growth Rate: Moderate

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🌱 Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil (avoid heavy clay and alkaline soils)
• Water:
  • Regular watering during establishment
  • Moderate watering thereafter; avoid waterlogging
• Feeding: Use a low-phosphorus fertiliser suitable for Proteaceae
• Maintenance:
  • Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
  • Avoid disturbing roots once established
  • Mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture

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🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

• Best Planting Time: Autumn or early spring
• Flowering Season: Late winter to spring
• Growing Season: Spring and summer
• Climate Suitability: Temperate, mild coastal, and frost-free regions
• Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established

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🌼 Additional Benefits

• Large, dramatic crimson flower heads
• Excellent long-lasting cut flowers
• Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure
• Attracts birds and pollinators
• Ideal for feature planting and statement gardens

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🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Garden feature or specimen shrub
✔ Mixed shrub beds
✔ Large containers in well-drained soil
✔ Coastal and temperate gardens
✔ Cut flower gardens