Protea cynaroides White Crown

The Protea 'White Crown' is a variety of royal protea with exceptionally compact growth; it rarely exceeds 50 cm (20in) in all directions at maturity. Of great ornamental value, growing this variety, like all proteas, requires a certain know-how. This truly fascinating bush will delight amateur gardeners who love challenges. The flower heads measure approximately 10 cm (4in) in diameter; with their flared cup shape, they resemble fully bloomed large artichokes. Their cream-white colour harmonizes with the beautiful evergreen emerald foliage. The flowering, which occurs from January to August depending on the climate, is long-lasting in dried bouquets. Hardy down to -5°C, this miniature variety is very suitable for pot cultivation outside the mildest areas of our country. This not only allows for controlling the composition of the growing substrate, but also for storing the plant as soon as the first frosts occur.

The Protea cynaroides is a botanical species widely spread in South Africa, variable in terms of colour and shape, adapting to many mountainous environments. This perennial shrub plant of the proteaceae family is native to the Cape region in South Africa. Strange in every way, proteaceae often require fire to germinate their seeds.

'White Crown' develops multiple thick, ramified stems from the base and suckers. It will reach an average height of 50 cm (20in) with an equal spread, slowly spreading over time. Its alternate, elongated, and pointed leaves are leathery and have the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture. Flowering takes place from February to August, or even longer depending on the climate. The inflorescences are large heads, carried at the terminal part of each branch. They measure 10 cm (4in) in diameter. Mature and well-established plants can produce up to ten heads per season. The flower buds resemble magnificent artichokes with pearly scales. The head opens up, and the cream-white bracts reveal a powdery white velvety cone. The flowering attracts numerous pollinating insects and gives way to some seeds almost as big as walnuts, velvety. The thick roots of this plant also serve as a storage organ. In case of fire, the protea is capable of regenerating from its roots, nourished by its own ashes.

The 'White Crown' protea is a sensational plant that leaves no one indifferent. It will preferably thrive in coastal gardens spared from severe frosts, in light, poor, and not too chalky soil. Particularly well-suited to the Mediterranean climate, it tolerates poor, dry to arid soils. This dwarf variety will be magnificent planted as a border, in a dry rockery, and of course in a pot on a terrace, but always in an open position, in full sun. In an exotic garden, it can be associated with the Canary or Madeira Viper's Bugloss, Puya, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia mellifera, Giant Fennel, Leucadendron, Melianthus major, palm trees (Trachicarpus fortunei, Sabal minor), or hybrid mulleins.