About
One of the most extraordinary plants in the world: a slow-growing, succulent tree to about 15m tall from the Sonoran Desert of Baja California with a swollen, grey-white, carrot-like trunk tapering to whip-like, spiny-leaved branches and small, cream flowers at the tips. A remarkable botanical curiosity for a warm, very dry, frost-free garden.
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
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouth Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape)
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 1See pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)