Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C when ripe or in spring, or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Plants grown under glass may require pruning to restrict growth
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.