As the floral emblem of New South Wales the Waratah grows naturally as a large shrub or small tree about 3 metres high. Multiple cultivars have been developed that are often grown in gardens and parks.

The ‘Wild about Waratahs Festival’ is held in early October at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mt Tomah. The spectacular red flowers of the Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) provided an engaging contrast to a somewhat grey overcast day during a recent visit to the Garden.