For a unique addition to your garden, consider the captivating protea. With its bold and architectural flowers in vibrant colours, it adds a touch of exotic beauty. These low-maintenance plants thrive in sunny spots, making them ideal for a winter garden, as they bloom from autumn through spring while being drought-tolerant.
Planting Calendar
Plant in autumn through to spring when the soil is moist, this will give the shrubs time to establish before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Position
Proteas do best in full sun ( the more the better) with space to grow and plenty of air movement. They must have a very free draining soil and do better without root disturbance or competition from other plants. They will grow in any type of soil as long as it drains freely.
Soil
When planted into the ground, Proteas like a free draining, sandy acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Potting mix.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Avoid damaging the roots when planting. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio with Hauraki Peat then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. Add some fine sand for extra drainage and plant as per above. When planting into containers plant in Kings potting mix.
Care
Watering
Proteas do not require a lot of water once established as they draw water from the dew. Water once a week in the evening until well established then they will require very little watering.
Feeding
Protea do not tolerate or require fertiliser. They thrive in acidic soils that have a low nutrient content. DO NOT fertilise or plant near other plants that are fertilised as water can carry the nutrients to the proteas.
Protecting
Protea have shallow roots and should be staked to avoid the roots being damaged by root rock in the wind.
Mulching
Mulch with bark ensuring that it is kept away from the trunk. Do not use mulch products that contain fertiliser.
Spraying
Protea are not generally bothered by pests and diseases, so spraying should not be needed.
Pruning
You should prune during and after flowering to keep your plants full and vigorous, prune branches back by 1/3rd above at least four leaves and never prune branches without leaves. Cutting flowers for floral work is a good option to keep your plant bushy and encourage new flowers.
Expert Tip
Phytophthora can be a problem in areas that are not drained well enough. Remember drainage is key when growing Proteas.
Top Varieties
Protea cynaroides (King Protea)
The KING PROTEA is a spreading shrub with huge pink velvety flowers from Autumn to Spring. Prune to size and shape in Spring. Medium frost Hardy. H: 1.5 – 2 metre
Protea Green Ice
An erect compact shrub of manageable proportions. Flowers are a light yellowy-greenish colour with black tipped bracts surrounding a darker floral mass. Produces long strong stems suitable for early season picking. H: 1.5m. Flowers from Autumn-early winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil is best for Proteas?
When planted into the ground, Proteas like a free draining, sandy acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Potting mix.
How often should I water my Protea?
Proteas do not require a lot of water once established as they draw water from the dew. Water once a week in the evening until well established then they will require very little watering.
When is the best time to plant Proteas?
Plant Proteas in spring or autumn when the weather is mild. This gives them time to establish before the extremes of summer or winter.
How do I prune my Protea?
You should prune during and after flowering to keep your plants full and vigorous, prune branches back by 1/3rd above at least four leaves and never prune branches without leaves. Cutting flowers for floral work is a good option to keep your plant bushy and encourage new flowers.
How can I propagate Proteas?
Proteas can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds require scarification, while cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and treated with rooting hormone.