About
This large shrub or small tree to 4m, with tough, sparsely branched stems and leathery, glaucous, grey-green, sometimes purple-flushed leaves. In early summer it bears cone-shaped flowerheads to 14cm across, with red bracts fringed with white hairs.
About the genus
Protea are evergreen shrubs or trees, with leathery, simple, entire leaves and dense terminal clusters of tiny 4-petalled flowers, surrounded by large, petal-like bracts
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a mix of 1 part loam with added charcoal and 3 parts equal measures of grit (or perlite) and peat substitute, in full light. Water moderately in spring and summer. Apply a liquid fertiliser of magnesium sulphate and urea, both at half recommended strength, once in spring and again in early autumn. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)