Waratah

Did you know?

Waratahs the state flower of NSW are  native to that state but also grow in the wild in Victoria and Tasmania. Waratahs are a genus of five species of large shrubs or small trees.  They have serrated leaves in a spiral formation round the stem which is between 30 and 70cm long. Each stem bears one large vibrant red flowerhead  annually in spring.

Types

Waratahs are generally red but white, pink and cream varieties have been developed.

Selection and Storage

Choose a flower which is partly open with fresh, healthy looking leaves. Keep in a cool place. cleanly cut 2cm off the bottom of the stem, do not bash the bottom of the stem. Strip the lower leaves off and place in cool water, with no preservative.  1/2 teaspoon of bleach per large vase can be used as a alternative preservative. Replace water daily and keep away from fruit, car exhausts and smoke fumes.

Availability

Available January-February and July-October.