Family: Proteaceae

This spectacular genus of some 115 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees is originally from South Africa and is renowned for the great diversity of form among the species. Proteas are valued for their amazing flower heads, which have been described as glorified artichokes. They are actually large, dense clusters of bright, stiff, overlapping bracts, surrounding a bisexual flower. The leaves are usually stemless, tough and leathery. In frost-prone regions, proteas are grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Many species of protea are grown for the cut flower trade.

Species

P. cynaroides, king protea, is South Africa's floral emblem. Growing to 2 m (6 ft) high, it is characterized by its large, open flower heads and red-stemmed, shiny, green leaves, which are oval and leathery. The central dome of pink flowers is surrounded by downy pink bracts. Flowering occurs from the end of spring through to summer.

P. eximia, ray-flowered protea, is an upright grower to 4-5 m (13-16 ft), with silvery green, broad, oval leaves. The flowers have deep pink outer bracts surrounding paler pink central flowers, tipped with purple.

P. grandiceps, peach protea, is a spreading shrub, growing to around 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, with oval leaves, sometimes edged with red. The rose or purplish red flower heads are 12 cm (5 in) deep and 15 cm (6 in) across, with a grayish white, hairy fringe.

P. latifolia, broad-leaf protea, grows to 2 m (6 ft) with silvery green foliage and pink, carmine or green flower heads, 15 cm (6 in) across, in summer.

P. neriifolia, oleander-leafed protea, is another popularly grown species, reaching about 1.5 m (5 ft) high. The narrow, oblong, gray-green leaves are about 15 cm (6 in) long. Goblet-shaped flower heads open at the tips of the branches from spring through to summer. They are rose pink to brown in colour, with a black fringe. The dried flower heads last for many months. It pulcliella grows to 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with lance-shaped, prominently ribbed leaves, 18 cm (7 in) long, and reddish pink flower heads, with black silky tips.

P. repens (Synonym: P. mellifera), honey protea, one of the easiest and most widely cultivated proteas, is very attractive to bees. Growing to 3 m (10 ft) high, it has narrowly oblong leaves and fragrant flower heads in white, pink or red, in spring and summer.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse or conservatory, grow proteas in large pots or tubs of acid, soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light and airy conditions. Do not overwater plants: keep them steadily moist in the growing period and water far less in winter. Feed once or twice in summer with a liquid fertilizer, low in phosphorus. Outdoors, if the climate is suitable, grow proteas in acid to neutral, well-drained soil of low fertility. Choose a sheltered position which receives full sun. Do not feed. Pruning is not generally required. Propagate from seed in spring or as soon as ripe, germinated at I8°C (65°F), or from semi-ripe cuttings, rooting them with bottom he

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9 to zone 10.