Overview
Protea compacta is a bushy shrubs in the genus Protea, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Protea compacta grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include coastal, mediterranean climate plants, sub-tropical, patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse and cut flowers.
About
Protea compacta is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. It is similar to Protea eximia. Its distribution is from the Kleinmond to Bredasdorp Mountains in South Africa and is one of the best known proteas in the cut flower industry. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for coastal, mediterranean climate plants, sub-tropical, patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse and cut flowers. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Protea compacta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Protea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Protea compacta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Protea compacta
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Protea compacta?
Protea compacta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Protea compacta need?
Protea compacta grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Protea compacta hardy in the UK?
Protea compacta has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Protea compacta?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Protea genus
- Protea lacticolor
- Protea laurifolialaurel protea
- Protea lepidocarpodendron
- Protea 'Mayday'
- Protea 'Sheila'