Alloxylon flammeum

Scientific name: Alloxylon flammeum

Author: P. H. Weston & Crisp

Common name: Tree Waratah

Family: Proteaceae

Location

In the wild, it is restricted to the Atherton Tableland in north-eastern Queensland where it grows in deep red-brown loams in rainforest.

You can see this glorious tree in Bed 16 in the Connections Garden. In summer, just go to Lakeside and look up the hill, you’ll be able to see the flaming red flowers and be able to follow the paths to the plant.

A medium to small tree with a dense, bushy canopy and large bright orange-red flowers in late spring – early summer.

If you like the look of waratahs but find them too difficult to grow, then this is another option. You’ll need a bit more room to plant it, but once established this tree will give you masses of showy flowers at the same time of year as the waratah. It grows well as far south as southern Victoria and likes cool, moist, humid climates - although it’s doing well here at Mount Annan. 

When established, plants are tolerant of moderate frosts and will withstand full sun. They appreciate a good mulch and watering during dry periods.