Maturing Proteas may also need fertilising, especially if the type of soil in your garden is free draining. For necessary fertilisation during early stages of growth, use an Australian native plant fertiliser – either a very mild solution of a soluble fertiliser or coated slow release pellets, with low or zero phosphorus. We suggest avoided any use of fertiliser when planting out Proteas, as they have a specially adapted system of fine roots (called ‘proteoid’ roots) which will develop naturally to seek out available nutrients in the soil. The frequency of watering will depend on soil type and climatic conditions, however mature proteas only require deep watering once a week during dry spells, or once a fortnight during a dry winter. Protea root systems must be kept lightly moist until the plants are well established (this can be up to 18 months or more). For best results, allow plenty of space between plants for air to circulate and avoid planting any Proteas deeper than the surface level in the pot. We recommended planting in autumn or spring, allowing the Proteas to absorb as much sun as possible. If you have a garden with heavy or clay soil, consider improving the drainage by using a free draining garden mix and either creating a raised garden bed (minimum height 30 - 45 cm) or installing underground drainage pipes. Most Proteas prefer soils that are well-drained and acidic and we suggest avoiding heavy clay soils. Seek advice from your local nursery on which type of Protea grows best in your area. Protea plants can be purchased at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Shop. See Proteas at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomahįor the best time to see Proteas in bloom, visit the Visitor Centre at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in late autumn to winter. With about 1600 species, it is a major plant group in many southern hemisphere floras. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they include cultural information that would aid others in growing Protea cynaroides.The family Proteaceae was one of the earliest groups of flowering plants, dispersing and diversifying throughout Gondwana before the break up of the supercontinent. We also consider observations of it growing in our nursery crops, as well as in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens we visit. The information presented on this page is based on research we have conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also grow a pure white selection called Protea cynaroidesa 'Arctic Ice' and a dwarf form called Protea cynaroides 'Mini King'. Other common names include Giant Protea, Honeypot and King Sugar Bush. The specific epithet means like plants in the genus Cynara, the Artichoke, in reference to the like appearance of the flower buds.
The genus and plant family is named for the Greek god Proteus, who was able to change between many forms and reflects the incredible variety and diversity of the plants in the family. It is the national flower of South Africa. This species has a wide distribution through the fynbos in the southern parts of South Africa, an area subject to wildfires for which Protea cynaroides is well adapted with its thick underground stems that have dormant buds that sprout up after a fire. It is an attractive garden plant for a nice well-drained site in the garden or as a container specimen and a great cut flower for arrangements. Cut flowering stems back to base after flowering.
Protect from frost and temperatures below 28° F. Requires little irrigation and tolerates coastal conditions.
#Proteus plant full#
Plant in full sun in a well-drained, preferably acid, soil. Flowers cover the shrub from autumn to spring with some scattered bloom throughout the year. These pale silky pink or sometimes deep crimson flowers, form a roundish central peak of flowers surrounded by rays of darker pink bracts. Protea cynaroides (King Protea) - Shrub with reddish stems and large rounded green leaves to 3 to 5 feet tall and wide with huge 5-10 inch flowers. Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs