Protea spp.

protea

Proteaceae South Africa and tropical Africa

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Protea spp. is a genus of around 110 evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Proteaceae, centered on the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, with additional species across tropical Africa. Plants range from prostrate, ground-hugging forms to trees 26 feet (8 m) tall, though most garden species grow 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m). The leathery, often grey-green leaves are arranged spirally on stout stems. The flower heads are large cup- or goblet-shaped structures 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) across, in which a dense central mass of slender florets is ringed by stiff, colorful bracts in pink, red, cream, white, yellow, or orange; the king protea P. cynaroides produces heads up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Protea spp. forms cluster (proteoid) roots adapted to nutrient-poor soils and is highly sensitive to phosphorus, so standard fertilizers can kill established plants. The genus also requires acidic, sharply drained soil and is prone to root rot from Phytophthora spp. in wet ground. Nectar-rich heads draw birds and insects, and the long-lasting blooms are widely used in the cut-flower trade.

Native Range

Protea spp. is concentrated in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, particularly the fynbos shrublands of the Western Cape, with further species extending north through tropical Africa to the highlands of Zimbabwe and Malawi. Most species grow in nutrient-poor, acidic, sandy or rocky soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in water-wise and Mediterranean-climate gardens, coastal plantings, and shrub borders on acidic soils. The genus is widely cultivated for long-lasting cut and dried flowers. Compact species are suited to large containers.

How to Identify

Recognize Protea spp. by its large goblet- or cup-shaped flower heads, 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) across, formed of a dense central cone of florets ringed by stiff, often colorful bracts. The leathery leaves are spirally arranged and usually grey-green. Cut roots reveal dense brush-like clusters of rootlets, the cluster roots typical of the family.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 26'

Width/Spread3' - 13'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering varies by species, but many bloom from autumn through spring, with peak display in winter and early spring. Individual heads remain colorful for several weeks. P. cynaroides can flower over an extended period from late autumn into spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, red, cream, white, yellow, or orange

Foliage Description

grey-green to green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Protea spp. in full sun in acidic, sandy, sharply drained soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Phosphorus-containing fertilizers damage the cluster roots, so only low-phosphorus formulations are used, at low rates. Water young plants regularly, then deeply but infrequently once established, as the genus tolerates drought and is intolerant of soggy ground. On heavy soils, planting on mounds or slopes improves drainage and reduces the risk of Phytophthora spp. root rot. Watering at the base rather than overhead, with good air circulation, limits fungal disease. Most species are frost-tender and grown under cover or in containers in cold-winter climates.

Pruning

Prune Protea spp. after flowering, cutting stems back to within a few inches of the previous season growth but not into bare old wood, which rarely resprouts. Removing spent flower heads keeps plants compact. Young plants can be tip-pinched to encourage branching.

Pruning Schedule

spring