Proteas are popular shrubs that are grown for their long flowering and elegant foliage. They are generally trouble free, easy to grow, and very rewarding. Their versatility for growing in pots, for informal hedging, and including in mixed plantings makes them well sought after. Follow our tips to get the most from your plants.
Planting Proteas and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Proteas.
Yes, you can grow Proteas in New Zealand. Proteas are native to South Africa, but they have been successfully cultivated in many other parts of the world, including New Zealand. They prefer a warm, sunny climate with well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (a pH between 5.5 and 6.5). Proteas are drought-tolerant, but they will need watering during dry periods, particularly while they are establishing.
Proteas look amazing when managed appropriately in a pot. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the Protea is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with a low-phosphate potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. Place the plant in the hole without removing any of the growing media or cutting the roots. You can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. If the roots have been circling the inside of the pot or they look totally root bound, you don’t need to cut them (refer to, Managing Rootbound Plants, for why we don’t cut them). Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.
The key to having an amazing Protea in a pot is to both keep it fed correctly and not to over-water it. Over-watering is the most common reason they fail. The other common reason for failure is using the wrong fertiliser. They are intolerant of high levels of phosphate, therefore, a low phosphate fertiliser that releases slowly is essential.
Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Protea plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread a low phosphate blend onto the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.
Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter low-phosphate fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.
Proteas can be planted at any time of the year but autumn through until spring is the generally considered the safest time for plant survival. It is important that the soil is neither too dry nor waterlogged when plants are put in as this can be detrimental. If the soil is dry, The Plant Company recommends that it is thoroughly moistened with a hose before planting. The same applies to planting during hot conditions such as during summer. As long as plants are kept watered during summer they can be safely planted at this time and will grow well. NB: the less the roots are disturbed and the more media that remains on the roots at planting, the better will be the chances of establishing an amazing plant.
Proteas thrive in Mediterranean climates, which is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. A full sun with good drainage is therefore essential for getting the best results with Proteas. On poorly drained sites, or with over-watering, they tend to become stunted and sickly looking due to the roots struggling to breathe. As shade levels increase, Proteas tend to become spindly and flowering is often reduced. In full sun positions they tend to grow more compactly. If there is a chance of wind, you might want to consider staking the plant to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.
Proteas are tolerant of moderate to heavy frost, but they won’t tolerate snow or prolonged freezing. Humidity levels are not particularly important as long as there is good air circulation to reduce the chances of fungal diseases.
Propagating Proteas is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are reasonably easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.
Proteas can be propagated from cuttings, but it requires a well-managed environment and some patience. The best time to take cuttings is in early autumn. Choose healthy, semi-hardened shoots. Ideally, these are the stems just below the flower or flower bud. A stem about 10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and the cut is made just below a node. A nick is taken from the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of eight weeks as a general rule. That said, woodier cuttings can take a little longer.
Protea seeds generally require are period of cold stratification (i.e., exposure to cold temperatures) to improve germination rates. However, this generally differs between varieties, hence it pays to investigate each variety first. To stratify seed, soak them for 24 hours in cold water. Remove them from the water, then place in the fridge in a sealed container for four weeks.
Fresh seed always produces the best germination results. Such seed is scattered onto growing media and vermiculite used to cover the seed in a thin layer. The trays are kept warm and moist, with seeds germinating inside of three weeks.
You can only harvest protea seeds from mature seedheads, which generally takes 9-12 months after flowering. At this time the plant is starting to sprout new flowers and the older flowers have not only dried but also show strong aging. It is critical not to harvest any earlier than 8-months as the seeds will not have matured to become viable.
The seedhead is removed from the plant and then further dried in a warm room with good ventilation so the seeds fall onto paper. This natural shedding is perfect for home gardeners. For larger scale production the seed heads are broken apart and placed on metal screens with warm air blown through them. In both cases, the chaff must be separated to leave a clean sample of seed. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to sow them.
Protea care is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice for Protea care and give yourself the best chance of success.
The most important part starts with planting and we have a whole section that discusses How To Plant And Grow Proteas, so, let’s assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!
Yes, you should cut dead flowers off Proteas. This will help the plant to conserve energy and focus on producing new flowers. However, read the article, How to Prune Proteas, as simply deadheading a protea can result in a bushy plant that doesn’t flower quite as well.
There are several reasons why your Proteas might be dying. Some of the most common causes based on The Plant Company’s experience include:
Proteas generally don't require a lot of fertilizer, and in fact, too much fertilizer can be harmful to them. They thrive in soils with low nutrient levels, provided they are well drained. The most critical element is to feed them with a low phosphate fertiliser. Ideally, it will a slow-release product applied in spring.
Proteas have a special aversion to phosphate fertiliser for two main reasons:
Unfortunately, phosphate in the soil is relatively immobile. This means it doesn't leach away easily and can remain in the soil for a long time, potentially harming proteas planted there.
This series of articles answer many of the frequently asked questions about Proteas.
Proteas are not native to Australia, but to South Africa. Australia does have a whole family of plants related to proteas, though, including Banksias, Grevilleas, and Waratahs.
The vase life of protea flowers is typically between one and two weeks with good care. The flowers will last longer if they fresh when purchased and have the water changed every day. Some varieties, such as the King Protea, will last longer than other varieties.
The growth rate of proteas can vary depending on the species, growing conditions, and care. Some proteas, such as the King Protea Protea cynaroides, can grow quite quickly, reaching maturity in 3-5 years. Others, such as the Protea 'Pink Ice' may take 5-7 years to reach maturity.
In general, proteas grow more quickly in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. Plants that receive adequate water and the correct fertilizer will also grow more quickly. However, even under ideal conditions, proteas are relatively slow-growing plants. It is important to be patient and allow them to mature at their own pace.
Proteas are perfect for picking and drying as they hold their colour well when dry. To get the best results we recommend picking healthy stems with great flowers anytime from late summer through into autumn when the stems are woodier. Hang your picked protea upside down in a dark room to preserve the colour better. Make sure the room is warm with plenty of ventilation to avoid mould issues. After 2-4 weeks they will be dry and ready to enjoy.
There are over 80 known species of Proteas, all native to South Africa. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and many are a popular choice for using as cut flowers. Some of the most common types are:
Leucospermum and Leucadendron species are often referred to as Proteas also, even though they have much smaller flowers and are of a different genus. Nonetheless, some popular ones include:
These are just a few of the many different types of proteas. With their wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, there's sure to be a protea that's perfect for any occasion.
The Protea flower is a powerful symbol for South Africa, representing a variety of positive attributes:
Beauty and Diversity:
Resilience and Hope:
Transformation and Unity:
Overall, Proteas embody the strength, beauty, and potential of South Africa.
Proteas can have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years depending on the species and the growing conditions. Some proteas, such as the King Protea Protea cynaroides, can live for over 100 years.
Proteas are called sugarbushes because their flowers are rich with nectar. They produce copious amounts of nectar, a sugary liquid, to attracts pollinators like birds and insects. This nectar is so abundant that South African people would boil it down to create a syrup called "bossiestroop," which translates to "bush syrup" in Afrikaans.
The name "sugarbush" likely arose because these nectar-filled flowers resemble a sugary buffet for the creatures that visit them. The Afrikaans name, "suikerbos," directly translates to "sugar bush," further solidifying this connection.
Choosing a Protea that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, the flower colours and types, how big the plants grow, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.
Protea 'Red Ice' is a vibrant and eye-catching cultivar Protea, known for its stunning red flowers. Some of its key characteristics include:
Appearance: • The defining feature are the large and showy flowers which are a deep red colour. These flowers are often described as having an "icy crystal centre". • The flowers are medium-sized, and a mature plant can produce many of them throughout the year, with peak flowering in late autumn. • Protea 'Red Ice' grows as a vigorous, erect, and spreading shrub to about 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide. The foliage comprises narrow, green leaves.
Growing Conditions: • Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering. • It adapts to most soil types but thrives in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. • Tolerates drought once established, but does enjoy consistent moisture during active growth. • It is considered one of the hardiest proteas, and can withstand moderate frost and cool climates. However, some protection from harsh frosts is recommended for young plants.
Uses: • Protea 'Red Ice' makes a fantastic addition to gardens due to its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. It can be planted in mixed borders, coastal gardens, containers, or around pool areas. • The beautiful red flowers are prized by florists and can be used in fresh arrangements or dried for everlasting displays.
Overall, Protea 'Red Ice' is a low-maintenance and rewarding plant for gardens with its beautiful red flowers and adaptable to various conditions. If you're looking for a striking and unique addition to your landscape, this cultivar is definitely worth considering.
The giant protea, also widely known as the King Protea (Protea cynariodes), is a flowering plant belonging to the Protea genus. It's distinguished for having the biggest flower head among all the protea species. So yes, the Giant Protea and the King Protea are the same plant.
This magnificent flower is native to South Africa, specifically the southwestern and southern regions where it flourishes in the fynbos floral region. The giant protea is South Africa's national flower, and it's also known by other names including honeypot or king sugar bush.
The King protea (Protea cynaroides), also known as the giant protea, honeypot, or king sugar bush, is a truly magnificent flowering plant. Some key facts about this South African icon include:
Appearance:
Habitat and Distribution:
Growing King Proteas:
Interesting Facts:
Protea 'Pink Ice' is a popular cultivar due to its beautiful pink flowers and ease of care. Some of its key characteristics:
Appearance:
Growing Conditions:
Uses:
Protea 'Pink Ice' is a low-maintenance and versatile plant with fabulous flowers. It's a great choice for gardeners who want a stunning and easy-to-care-for addition to their landscape.
Protea compacta, also known as the Bot River protea or the Prince protea, is a beautiful flowering shrub native to South Africa. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Appearance:
Growing Conditions:
Uses:
Protea compacta is a rewarding plant for gardeners seeking a beautiful flowering shrub with moderate care requirements. Its tolerance for drought, light frost, and coastal conditions makes it adaptable to a wide variety of garden settings.
Protea 'Little Prince' is a compact shrub with vibrant flowering. It is perfect for smaller gardens and containers:
Size and Appearance:
Growing Conditions:
Versatility and Uses:
Protea neriifolia, also commonly known as the narrow-leaf sugarbush, oleander-leaved sugarbush, blue sugarbush, is a versatile and popular flowering plant native to South Africa. Some of its key characteristics include:
Appearance:
Growing Conditions:
Uses:
Protea neriifolia is a rewarding plant for gardeners seeking a long-flowering, adaptable shrub with beautiful flowers. Its tolerance for a wider range of soil conditions and climates makes it a versatile choice.
The easiest protea to grow is the King Protea (Protea cynaroides). It is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and some frost. The King Protea is also a fast grower, reaching maturity in just 3-5 years.
The hardiest protea is Protea 'Pink Ice'. It is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and some frost. The Pink Ice Protea is also a reliable bloomer, producing flowers from late summer to late spring.
Decisions about when to prune Proteas, how to cut them back and how hard, and even how to do this task can be daunting for the novice gardener. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.
A large Protea is generally pruned to bring it back to a more manageable size. However, you can only safely cut it back to just above where you can see leaves. Cutting back into older wood (i.e., without leaves) runs the risk of the stem dying rather than sprouting buds and growing again. Therefore, aggressive pruning can be high risk and result in plant failure. Any aggressive pruning should be undertaken in summer as this is when the plants are most likely to sprout new shoots.
Pruning Proteas encourages bushier growth and promotes more flowers. However, there are some keys to getting this right, otherwise you’ll end up with a bushy mess at the expense of flowers! Here are a few tips:
When The Plant Company prunes Proteas, we start by taking out the stems with flowers. Next, we remove any stray material from around the base. That is a about all that is needed with once-a-year pruning.
At flowering (i.e., autumn) is the best time to prune Proteas. Usually, the flower is harvested along with a generous amount of stem. That said, you can prune a protea at any time of year, provided you leaves foliage below where you have made the cut.
Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.
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