The name Waratah, an Aboriginal name for “beautiful” comes from the Eora people, the original inhabitants of the Sydney area. The botanical term for this flower is perfect, seeing that the blooms are big and visible from far away... Telopea which comes from the Greek word “Telepos” literally means “seen from afar”. Anyone who has seen a waratah in the field would agree with the appropriateness of the name.
The round, crimson blooms, razor green leaves and long stems are truly a standout in the field during the springtime. Each waratah flower is comprised of a group or cluster of flowers. Exactly how many depends on the species… ranging from as few as 10 to as many as 240 individual flowers, surrounded by a circle of delicate floral bracts.
When buying Waratah look for:
-
Choose blooms with 1/2 of the flowers or styles open.
- Avoid blooms with drooping bracts or leaves.
Flower Care:
- Keep cool.
- Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem.
- Re-cut at least ¼” off the stems and place in cool water.
- Replace water frequently.
With its stunning crimson-red blooms and lush, dark green foliage, Waratah are stunning focal flowers when showcased in spring bouquets and arrangements.
Protea aristata (aristata = sharp-tipped leaves), was first collected in 1928 near the town of Ladismith in the Cape Province. Although thought to be common in the Seweweekspoort region, aristata could not be found again until 1953, prior to which it was believed for quite some time that it had become extinct. Aristata, also known as Ladismith sugarbush, Ambassador sugarbush, small pine sugarbush and Christmas sugarbush, has become one of South Africa's most famous proteas despite its relatively late 'discovery'.
This distinctive protea has unusual pine-needle like foliage which provides a lovely background to its striking large and bright crimson flowers. And, of course when harvested, aristata beckons. It’s simply stunning when mixed in bouquets and arrangements.
It’s no secret that we appreciate beautiful protea here at Resendiz Brothers. Our latest fave? Ceres’ queen-size bloom and crimson bracts with white feathery tips, a love-at-first-sight creation. Drawing from a lineage of P. Magnefica (queen) and P. Obtusifolia, Ceres is a gorgeous yet hardy bush that when flowering can be seen from a distance and certainly can’t be missed. This queen protea has divine deep green leaves and sturdy long stems. And since Ceres blooms late autumn through winter, there’s a bounty of beauty, love and joy to spread through the holiday season and right into Valentine’s Day.
Protea aristata (aristata = sharp-tipped leaves), was first collected in 1928 near the town of Ladismith in the Cape Province. Although thought to be common in the Seweweekspoort region, aristata could not be found again until 1953, prior to which it was believed for quite some time that it had become extinct. Aristata, also known as Ladismith sugarbush, Ambassador sugarbush, Small pine sugarbush and Christmas sugarbush, has become one of South Africa's most famous proteas in spite of its relatively late 'discovery'.
Aristrata provides welcome summer blooms – June through August! And, this distinctive protea has unusal pine-needle like foliage which provide a lovely background to its striking large and bright crimson flowers.
