Telopea speciosissima Family: Proteaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: David Feix, Berkeley Telopea means “to be seen at a great distance”, and refers to the brilliant coral-red flowers that are 4 inches across. An Australian lanky shrub to 10 feet tall, it needs protea growing conditions, which means well-drained acidic soil and minimal phosphate fertilizers. It is well worth extra care because of the great beauty of its flower. It needs a sunny location and a little supplemental summer water. Photo by Steve Morse