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Protea cynaroides

Protea cynaroides
King Protea, Cape Artichoke Flower, Royal Protea

4,5/5
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Maria D., 20/08/2018

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More information

The protea is the floral emblem of South Africa. It is a fascinating perennial plant but not very hardy, which makes it a challenge for gardeners. This evergreen plant forms a bush with many branches, and its floral heads resemble large flared cups made of pink and fluffy bracts surrounding a heart of flowers that are pink with white powder. The plant flowers from April to October, depending on the climate, and the flowers last a long time in dry bouquets. Cultivating the protea in large pots is best, especially in areas that are not very mild.
Flower size
20 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Perennial
Germination time (days)
30 days
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Sowing period April to June
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Flowering time April to July
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Description

The Protea cynaroides, also known as the King Protea, is the floral emblem of South Africa. It is a truly fascinating perennial plant, but not very hardy, which will be the pride of gardeners who enjoy challenges. 

The King Protea is a perennial bushy plant that belongs to the Protea family. It is widely spread in South Africa and can adapt to mountainous environments. This plant is variable in colour and shape and is linked to the ecology of fire, which breaks the dormancy of its seeds. 

The bush develops multiple thick, spreading stems from the base and slowly spreads over time, reaching a height between 40 cm (15.7 in) and 1 m (3 ft 4 in) 20. The long red petioles carry elongated, pointed, leathery, alternate leaves that can absorb atmospheric humidity. The King Protea can produce up to ten heads per season, held at each branch's end. The floral buds resemble magnificent artichokes with pearlescent scales, and the flowers are large heads that measure 12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 11.8 in) in diameter. 

The head blooms with bright pink and velvety bracts that open onto a feathery plateau, white to pink, as if powdered. Flowering takes place from April to October and attracts numerous pollinating insects. The plant's thick roots also serve as a storage organ, and in the case of fire, it can regenerate from its roots, nourished by its own ashes. 

King Protea is a sensational plant that amazes and delights. It should be planted in coastal gardens spared from heavy frosts, in light soil that is not too chalky. Typically adapted to the Mediterranean climate, it is happy to be planted with poor, dry, arid soils. It will look good alone on large slopes or in the background of dry garden beds, but always in an open situation, in full sun. In an exotic garden, it can be associated with Canary Island Bugloss, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia mellifera, Giant Fennel, Giant Scabious, Melianthus major, or hybrid mulleins. 

This evergreen species forms a spreading bush from the base, with floral heads reminiscent of large flared cups. Its pink feathery bracts surround a heart of powdered pink flowers. Depending on the climate, the flowering occurs from April to October and is very durable in dried bouquets. Cultivation in large pots is preferable in cooler temperatures. This treasure of nature deserves an attempt at sowing, sometimes requiring patience and precision.

 
 

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time April to July
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 20 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Protea

Species

cynaroides

Family

Proteaceae

Other common names

King Protea, Cape Artichoke Flower, Royal Protea

Origin

South Africa

Product reference13101

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Planting and care

When planting royal protea seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours. You can add a teaspoon of wood ash to the water to break the dormancy. Alternatively, expose the seeds to a strong heat source or smoke them over a green wood fire.

Sow the protea seeds between March and April. Sprinkle the sowing compost with ashes to promote germination. Place the seeds in full light behind a south-facing window and maintain a temperature between 18 to 22°C. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

Once the seeds have sprouted, transplant them into 8 cm (3.1 in) pots with a well-draining substrate from compost and river sand.

Royal protea seeds are large and can take several months to germinate. In nature, the seeds remain in the flower's short stem for 2 years before falling into the soil and germinating in the spring. This plant is adapted to the ecology of fire, and only the high temperature of a fire can quickly break the dormancy. The young royal proteas will need to be protected from frost during their first years but will eventually be able to withstand -5°C in dry soil. This plant typically flowers after 4 to 5 years of cultivation.

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€14.50 Each

Sowing period

Sowing period April to June
Germination time (days) 30 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil moisture Dry soil, Draining, low in potash, light
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