Protea

Protea: Bold, Beautiful and Built for Tough Conditions

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Proteas are nature's showstoppers. With dramatic flower heads that resemble colourful artichokes, these plants have been captivating gardeners for centuries.

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But there's more to them than just good looks. Proteas are part of an ancient plant family called Proteaceae that has evolved over millions of years to survive in harsh conditions. 

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There are over 80 species of Protea, each with their own characteristics and charm and are native to the rugged landscapes of South Africa.

 

Proteas are survivors, built to thrive in harsh conditions where other plants would struggle. Their ability to thrive in poor soils make them a symbol of resilience, while their vibrant blooms make them the ultimate statement plant for the garden.

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Growing Proteas: Key Requirements

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Soil
 

• Proteas thrive in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. If you're not sure about your soil's PH, your local nursery can help.

• Sandy loam or gravelly soils are perfect for Protea as they ensure proper drainage and prevent water-logging - something these plants won't tolerate.

• Avoid planting protea in untreated heavy clay soil, as they won't survive long in those conditions.

• To improve clay soil, consider using raised beds filled with sandy loam, and incorporate organic matter, compost, coarse sand or grit to improve drainage. Adding gypsum can also help break down clay particles and improve soil structure.

• To keep your Proteas happy, apply organic mulch like bark, wood chips or leaves around the base. This helps retain moisture, reduces weds and keeps the soil temperature consistent.

• Ensure the mulch is kept a few centimetres away from the stems to prevent rot and fungal infections.

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Sun

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• Proteas love soaking up the sun and do best in a spot with full sunlight, though they can handle a bit of partial shade in hotter climates.

• Ideally, they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to develop those vibrant colours and strong, sturdy growth.

• Full sun not only helps them produce their bold blooms but also promotes efficient photosynthesis, leading to healthier, more vigorous plants overall.

• For the best results, plant your Protea in a north-facing position, where it can get the most sunlight throughout the day.

• If you're unsure of the best spot, you can use the compass app on your smartphone to find that prime north-facing location.

 

Planting

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• When: The best times to plant protea are in autumn or early spring. These seasons give the plants a chance to establish their roots before they have to face the intense summer heat or the chill of winter. If you do plant in summer, be sure to keep a close eye on your plant’s moisture levels so it doesn’t dry out.

• Give it a drink: To reduce transplant shock, water your Protea about 30 minutes before planting. Set your hose on low and fill the pot until the water reaches the rim. Let it drain, then repeat this process two more times. This ensures the soil is thoroughly moist and allows the roots to fully absorb water before going into the ground.

• Dig the hole: When you're ready, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out and settle in.

• Backfill: Fill in the hole with the soil you dug out or a good quality native potting mix that’s low in phosphorus. Gently firm the soil around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.

• Water it thoroughly: Once planted, give your Protea another generous drink to help the soil settle around the roots. For an extra boost, use a seaweed solution like Seasol or Charlie Carp to reduce plant stress and promote root growth..

• Mulch: Spread a 5-10 cm layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few centimetres away from the stem to avoid rot or fungal issues. Regularly topping up the mulch will keep your plant healthy by retaining moisture, reducing weeds, and regulating soil temperature.

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Watering

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• Getting the watering right is key to helping your Protea thrive.

• When you first plant it, water thoroughly to encourage strong root growth. Once the plant has settled in—usually after a few months—it becomes quite drought-tolerant and won’t need as much attention. In the first few weeks, regularly check the soil moisture. If the top 5-10 cm feels dry, it’s time for another drink.

• As the roots establish, gradually reduce how often you water.

• After about a month, you can usually start watering less frequently. Keep an eye out for any signs of stress, like wilting or drooping leaves, which might be a signal that your plant needs water.

• Keep an eye on the plant for signs of stress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, which may indicate it needs water.

• During hot and dry weather, you may need to water more often, while cooler or rainy periods call for less.

• If your Protea is in a pot, be sure to monitor it daily, especially in warmer months when it may need watering almost every day. In cooler weather, once a week should be enough.

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How a protea grows

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• New growth: Every year, Proteas produce fresh growth from the tips of their stems. You’ll easily spot this new growth by its lighter colour and softer texture, which contrasts with the older, woody stems.

• Steam and leaf development: As the plant matures, these new stems elongate, and leaves begin to develop along them. The growth continues throughout the season, usually wrapping up with the formation of flower buds.

• Flowering: Proteas bloom from late winter to early summer, with their spectacular flowers appearing at the ends of the stems where new growth has occurred. Depending on the species and growing conditions, these blooms can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months.

• Post-flowering growth: Once the flowers have finished blooming, the stems harden and become woody. At this stage, the plant often shifts its focus to producing new growth lower down the stems or from its roots, gearing up for the next growing season.

• Stem colour change and leaf differences: You can easily track the plant’s growth stages by observing the colour and texture of the stems. New growth is typically lighter and greener, while older growth turns darker and becomes woody. Leaves on the newer stems are usually smaller and softer compared to those on the older, more established stems.

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Pruning and maintenance

 

When it comes to pruning Proteas, knowing which stems to leave untouched is key to keeping your plant healthy and encouraging optimal growth:

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• Avoid pruning stems that haven't finished flowering. These stems are still actively producing blooms and cutting them will stop flower development and reduce overall flower output.

• Don't prune stems with fresh, young growth. These are essential for the plant's development and future flowering. Pruning these can disrupt the plant's natural growth cycle and inhibit its ability to produce new blooms.

• If the stems are healthy, strong and not interfering with the plant's shape or growth, it's best to leave them. These stems provide structure and support for future growth and flowers.

• Avoid cutting the lower, basal shoots emerging from the base of the plant. These shoots are critical for the plant's regeneration and can lead to a fuller, bushier appearance over time.

• Concentrate on pruning stems that have finished flowering. Cut back to about 10-15 cm of healthy stem with leaves from the previous year's growth.

• Only prune stems that are misshapen, growing on the ground, or interfering with the plant's overall shape and structure.

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Other important things to know

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• Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers such as manure, blood and bone, as Protea are sensitive to phosphorus. It's also crucial not to plant them in garden beds where these fertilisers have been previously applied.

• Do not use mushroom compost as it contains high salt levels, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and damage sensitive root systems.

• Most protea species grow between one to three metres tall and spread about one to two metres wide.

• They typically take three to five years to reach full height under optimal conditions and can live for 10 to 20 years and beyond.

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