PLANTBOOK

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Protea cynaroides

Family: Protea (Protea family)

Common names: King protea (E);

Native to: South Africa
Perennial, Shrub
A stately protea which bears a large and showing flowerhead

Protea cynaroides

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

MEDIUM GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

3m x 3m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Protea cynaroides

DESCRIPTION

This multi-stemmed shrub bears large, cup-shaped flowerheads 12-30cm in diameter.  The flower bracts vary from pale to dark pink surrounding creamy-white, hairy flowers.

In cultivation, they favour well-drained acidic soil.  They can be sensitive to commercial fertilisers, so it’s best to avoid them.

The flowers are prized for floral arrangements because they are long-lasting and in ideal conditions can stay fresh for several weeks.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
Naturally found on sandstone slopes in the southwestern and southern Cape. 
WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Rich in nectar, the flowers attract numerous birds and insects.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderately.
MAINTENANCE
Low-maintenance. Does not require much attention apart from the occasional removal of spend flower heads.
LANDSCAPING USES
Lovely focal plant to add to a rockery or mixed border.
GARDEN THEMES
Fynbos
FLOWERS
CULTIVATION
Proteas favour well-drained acidic soil.  They can be sensitive to commercial fertilisers, so it’s best to avoid them.

2 responses

  1. Hi Miehleketo

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Protea cynaroides naturally grows in infertile soils in frost-free, winter-rainfall regions. To introduce it to a Gauteng garden, it may be best grown in a moveable container so that you’ll be able to adjust its exposure to unfavourable conditions.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Hi Glenice

    Thank you for this website, it’s such a fountain of knowledge on indigenous trees.

    Does the protea cynaroides do well in the highveld, specifically in Johannesburg?

    I’m establishing a garden with indigenous trees and shrubs as well as other water-wise plants, and this would be a great addition.

    Keen to hear your guidance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *