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Queensland Tree Waratah
When I saw a mature specimen of this tree flowering in early January I was fooled for an instant, thinking it was a very late flowering Waratah.But close inspection made me realize that this tree is a cousin to the Waratah, being a member of the Protea family. The flowers are very similar, although flatter and more open. But the red flowers smother the tree to make a very showy statement in the garden. Being summer flowering makes it a very worth while addition to the garden and food for nectar loving birds.
Alloxylon pinnatum is the forgettable name for this quick growing small sized tree. It likes the same growing conditions as the Waratah, with full sun, well drained soil, temperate winter conditions, no phosphates in their fertilisers and shelter from strong winds. As it naturally grows bushier , doesn’t require the hard trimming back after flowering that Waratahs need to keep them prolific and bushy.
The flowers are excellent for picking. Expect Alloxlon to grow 4ms tall.
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