About
Protea cynaroides, the king protea, is a sparsely branched, evergreen South African shrub with leathery, elliptic leaves and spectacular, bowl-shaped flowerheads 15�30 cm across � the national flower of South Africa. The large, bowl-shaped flowerheads are surrounded by red to pink or cream, silky, petal-like bracts. A stunning specimen plant for a frost-free, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Protea are evergreen shrubs or trees with leathery, simple, entire leaves and dense terminal clusters of tiny, four-petalled flowers surrounded by large, showy, petal-like bracts in an enormous range of sizes and colours. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in full light. Water sparingly in winter. Grow outdoors in a frost-free, sheltered border in poor neutral to acid, well drained soil. Die back and general failure to thrive usually indicates that the rooting medium is too rich
PruningPruning group 1. Plants grown under glass may require pruning to restrict growth
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18°C when ripe or in spring, or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)