Discovered in 1967, the white waratah's existence was initially shrouded in mystery. Maintenance men from the Nepean Depot of the Sydney Water Board first stumbled upon this extraordinary flower, which displayed eight stunning blooms. Five of these blooms were picked and distributed around Wollondilly, sparking curiosity and excitement.

One notable figure in the white waratah's history is Thistle Harris-Stead, who, after hearing of the discovery, sought out its location with relentless determination. Despite initial reluctance from the discoverer, Harris eventually obtained the plant's whereabouts from Assistant Forestry Officer, Red Mitchell. This led to limited cuttings being taken and successfully propagated, with some finding a home at the Wirrimbirra Wildflower Sanctuary, where they bloomed irregularly.

The white waratah's journey has not been without challenges. It struggled to bloom consistently and did not produce seed pods naturally. However, the dedication of botanists like Paul Nixon, who experimented with hand pollination techniques, showcased the persistence required to cultivate this rare flower. Despite the initial success in producing seed pods through cross-pollination, further blooming and seed production have proven elusive.