There are five species of Telopea. However there are many cultivars which are selected forms. The most popular are forms of Telopea speciosissima selected for the cut flower industry. Some have been selected for the nursery trade. Selected forms are propagated from cuttings.
In recent years much work has been done on developing Telopea hybrids. Most of these are shrub forms with a tight flowerhead like the NSW Waratah. The Shady Lady series is the best known of these and are sold widely in the nursery trade. They are more reliable in cultivation than the species. Another group of hybrids is the Wild Brumby collection developed by Brian Fitzpatrick.