General Description/History

Protea is a large genus with over 90 species, all native to South Africa. Protea flowers are large and don’t have petals, which explains their rather tough exterior. The colourful parts of Protea flowers are bracts, not petals, which surround the tiny fluffy true flowers in the centre of each flowerhead. There are many species used as cut flowers, the most common are Pink mink (P. neriifolia), Pink Ice (a P. neriifolia hybrid), and the spectacular King protea (P. cynaroides). Colours are mostly cream and pink, red, pale yellow or white. Breeding programs in Australia, South Africa and Hawaii have delivered a number of new hybrids. ‘Pink Ice’, for example, which is a P. neriifolia hybrid, was bred in Australia.

Proteas are borne on strong woody stems with tough fibrous green leaves. The leaves can discolour to form brown or black spots or marks before the flower dies, but recent selection and breeding work has gone some way to minimising this problem. Blackening is most common in Pink Mink, Pink Ice, P.eximia and Queen Protea.

Proteas are grown in the field on large bushes. Plantations are found all over Australia, and these flowers are also grown in South Africa, Israel and the US, including Hawaii.

Types: Pink mink, Kings, Queens, Pink Ice, Honey Protea

What to look for

• Bracts that are starting to open. There should be an open circle at least 4 cm wide at the top of Pink Ice and Pink Mink, while the bracts of King Protea should be curving back;
• Glossy, healthy green leaves;
• Avoid flowers with a grey tinge.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool whenever possible.
2. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.
3. Never bash or split stems.
4. Preservative is essential – this will help delay leaf blackening.
5. Replace water every day.
6. Do not mist as this can encourage fungal rots.
7. Place Proteas under strong light or in direct sunlight, as this helps prevent leaf blackening.
8. Proteas make great dried flowers.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The name Protea comes from the Greek sea god Proteus who was a servant of Poseidon and could assume many different shapes.

Proteas are one of the oldest plant families – their ancestors have been found as fossils dated over 300 million years old.

Botanical Name: Protea neriifolia (Pink mink), P. cynaroides (Kings),P. magnifica (Queens), P. grandiceps,P. repens (Honey), P. eximia, P. compacta.

Common Names: Honey Protea, Kings, Pink Ice, Pink mink, Queens

Stem Length: 20 to 80 cm

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Cream, Pink, Red, White, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June