King Protea
Protea cynaroides
Also known as
Giant Protea, Protea
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Half-hardy
H3
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 3m |
1m | Min | 2m |
7 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of King Protea
King Protea Overview
Protea cynaroides is the national flower of South Africa. It is an evergreen perennial in the Proteaceae family with a sparsely branching habit. Rather a leggy shrub that can be added to garden beds in non-frost-prone climates. It has many forms and varieties and is an adaptable plant under cultivation. Foliage is oval in shape and leathery in texture. It is grown worldwide for the cut flower industry, makes a striking addition to a large garden and is commonly known by the names King Protea and Cape Artichoke Flower, amongst others. It produces beautiful, big, showy blooms in both soft and vibrant shades of pink and creamy-white. The terminal flowerhead is comprised of dense clusters of tiny 4-petalled and bowl-shaped flowers. The flowerhead measures between 15-30cm in diameter. Flowers are surrounded by showy modified leaf structures, which resemble petals, these are termed bracts.
Common problems with King Protea
How to harvest King Protea
Pick flowers as they benefit from a light prune or allow seedheads to dry on plants to remove and collect seeds.
How to propagate King Protea
Cuttings
Cuttings are made from semi-hardwood, 6-10cm long, of the current season's growth. To accelerate rooting, cuttings could be dipped in a rooting hormone solution and placed in a warm moist growing environment.
Seed
Best sowing time is in autumn, plant at a depth of between 1cm and 1.5 times the depth of the hard seed. Germination time is 3-4 weeks. Smoke treatment can help germination.
Budding
By grafting or budding.
Grafting
Special features of King Protea
Attracts birds
Attracts nectar-loving birds like sunbirds.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts Scarab Beetles and Protea Beetles.
Attractive flowers
Drought resistant
Pot plant
Attracts bees
Other uses of King Protea
Grown for their colourful bracted flower heads.
Cut flower
Vigorous plants produce six to ten flower heads in a season.
