Overview
Protea laurifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Protea, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Protea laurifolia 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 laurifolia, also known as the grey-leaf sugarbush, is a shrub from South Africa. It is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Another vernacular name for this species is laurel sugarbush. In Afrikaans this species is known by the common names of louriersuikerbos, lourier-suikerbos, suikerbos and suikerkan. 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 laurifolia
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 laurifolia 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 laurifolia
- 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 laurifolia?
Protea laurifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Protea laurifolia need?
Protea laurifolia grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Protea laurifolia hardy in the UK?
Protea laurifolia 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 laurifolia?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Protea genus
- Protea compactaBot River protea
- Protea lacticolor
- Protea lepidocarpodendron
- Protea 'Mayday'
- Protea 'Sheila'