PROTEA Protea cynaroides

Evergreen - rounded leaves 8-14cm (3½-5in) long, on stalks 4-18cm (1½-7in) long.

Shades of pink - All shades of pink through to Carmine (red) - deep pink red

Height - 1-2m (3-6½ft)

Spread - 1-2m (3-6½ft)

Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - strong-stemmed, sparsely-branched shrub, spreading with age. Produces goblet- or bowl-shaped flowerheads 12-30cm (5-12in) across

Tender - cool or frost free greenhouse - Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F) - under glass use 1 part loam with added charcoal and 3 parts grit and peat in full light

Full sun

Additional Features - Exotic plants -

Good to know - floral emblem of South Africa. May need restrictive pruning under glass.

Pests & Diseases - chlorosis (magnesium deficiency). Failure to thrive due to overly rich medium

Place of origin - South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape).

Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.

Hardiness - Half hardy (down to 0) -

Soil Conditions - Neutral to acid soil - - poor, well-drained