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Protea, the “King of Flowers” are prized by gardeners and florists alike for the stunning, large flowers that are produced in abundance when grown in their favoured conditions.  With some 800 species available, each Protea variety has a uniquely shaped, vibrant, flower.

Leucospermum have the common names Pincushion Flower or Pincushion Protea, which certainly gives a resemblance of what they look like but when you really look at them, they are so much more with their intricate, delicate and fascinating flower forms. 

Both of these plants are a genus of the Proteaceae family.

 

Planting

Best planting time is from autumn to spring, consider staking the plant in a windy situation or until it is established (for about a year). 

These are sun loving plants, so a daily dose of sunlight is essential.  Do not overcrowd as good airflow around the plants will help prevent disease.   

Protea can be grown in containers that provide good drainage; choose a container suitable for the mature size of your plant and position it to maximise sun; use a low phosphate potting mix. 

Well draining soil is essential, as these plants do not like moisture around their feet, which can cause root-rot.  They will tolerate most soil types from sandy to clay, preferring an acid soil with low nutrient value.  Most varieties perform well in coastal situations. Improve drainage with Gypsum or by adding a little scoria to the hole. Consider raised beds in heavy clay soil, or if drainage could be a problem.

Proteaceae are drought tolerant, young plants should be watered about once a week (when no rain about) for their first summer, established plants only require watering in during long hot dry spells. Evening watering is preferred. 

Do not fertilise with a general purpose fertiliser, but a low phosphate fertiliser around the plant is OK.  Your plant will benefit from an annual top dressing of well-rotted organic compost or sheep pallets around the plant – do not dig it in, as these are shallow rooted plants, and the roots could be detrimentally disturbed.  Fertiliser or compost should not touch the stem or shrub.

 

An annual prune after flowering is finished will encourage new growth and keep shrubs bushy and tidy.   Hard pruning is not recommended.

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Some dos and don’ts! 

 - Do give your plants space to grow and develop into a healthy happy shrub

 - Do protect from frost, cover with a frost cloth (or similar) when frosts are imminent

 - Do water in the evening

 - Do spray with an insecticide if you detect mealybug or white scale.

 - Don’t hard prune, as your plant may struggle to recover and send out new growth.

 - Don’t over water excess water may "pool" around the roots and may lead to root rot