Telopea speciosissima

The Telopea speciosissima, which has become the emblem of its native region in Australia, is an intensely exotic bush, well adapted to our mild and rainy coastal regions. Similar to proteas, it shares with them a marked preference for poor, well-drained soils and full sun. This plant is distinguished by a spectacular spring flowering, which covers its tough foliage with large globular inflorescences of a bright pink almost red, formed by tubular flowers surrounded by bracts of the same shade. A rare, original and unusual plant, its cultivation is reserved for experienced gardeners.

The Telopea speciosissima, the floral emblem of New South Wales in Australia, belongs to the fascinating family of Proteaceae. It is native to the outskirts of Sydney where it is called Watarah. The southeast of Australia, much wetter than the west, has a climate comparable to that of our mild oceanic regions, with a slightly lower annual rainfall. It can be found growing under the light shade of Eucalyptus trees, on loamy and sandy soils, in plains as well as up to 1000 m (3281ft) altitude. Telopea is grown for cut flowers, but also in gardens for its ornamental qualities.

This woody and branched plant grows from a stump called a lignotuber, capable of producing shoots after fire or cold. It has a bushy habit, carried by upright branches. The bush, when planted in the ground, easily reaches 3 m (10ft) in height in our climates, with a 2 m (7ft) spread in favorable conditions. In a pot, its dimensions will be more modest. The leaves, alternate, upright, simple and leathery, wedge-shaped, measuring 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10in) in length, are arranged spirally around the stem. They are dark green and regularly toothed along the edges. Telopea produces its flower buds during winter, but its flowering occurs in spring, in May-June, at the tips of the branches. These are sumptuous floral heads in domes, 8 cm (3in) wide, composed of a dense core with up to 250 incurved tubular flowers, pink to red, surrounded by brilliant bracts of the same shade. The flowers are highly appreciated in floristry, due to their excellent vase life. On the plant, they last almost 4 weeks. They contain abundant nectar and are pollinated by insects and birds. The large flat seeds will only form in the presence of at least two distinct individuals. After spring flowering, new shoots often emerge within the faded inflorescences.

The Telopea speciosissima is a very exotic-looking plant that is well worth trying to grow. It will thrive in coastal gardens spared from heavy frosts, in very light, well-drained soil, without limestone, low in nitrates and phosphorus. It prefers the climates of Brittany or Aquitaine to the Mediterranean, which is too dry in summer. This protea will be the pride of its happy owner, planted in isolation, on a large embankment or at the back of flower beds, but always in a sheltered and sunny position. In a garden inspired by exoticism, it can be associated with cordylines, proteas, Isopogon or Leucadendron, Viper's Bugloss from the Canary Islands, modest palm trees, or Leptospermum. This bush also grows very well in a container or large pot, to adorn the terrace or balcony of an experienced enthusiast.