King Protea
(Protea cynaroides)
King Protea (Protea cynaroides)
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Stan Shebs
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Stan Shebs
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stan Shebs | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Stan Shebs | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Protea_cynaroides_6.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Protea cynaroides, commonly known as King Protea, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of the Cape Provinces in South Africa, where it thrives in the nutrient-poor soils of mountain slopes and coastal plains. This species is the national flower of South Africa and is renowned for its large and striking flower heads. The King Protea typically reaches a height of 0.35 to 2 meters (1 ft 2 in to 6 ft 7 in), with thick stems and large, dark green, glossy leaves. The flower heads are composite, consisting of a central cluster of true flowers encircled by large, colorful bracts that range from creamy white to deep crimson, with pale pink bracts having a silvery sheen being especially valued. These bracts can span from 120 to 300 millimeters (5 to 12 inches) in diameter, and a single plant can produce six to ten flower heads in a season, with exceptional specimens yielding up to forty.
The King Protea is celebrated for its dramatic blooms and is often used as a focal point in gardens and floral arrangements. It is also a popular choice for xeriscaping due to its low water requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soils with medium to fast drainage. While it can tolerate some drought, regular watering during dry periods can promote better flowering. It is generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Due to its size and the showiness of its flowers, it is less commonly used for mass plantings and more often featured as a specimen plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
The King Protea is celebrated for its dramatic blooms and is often used as a focal point in gardens and floral arrangements. It is also a popular choice for xeriscaping due to its low water requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soils with medium to fast drainage. While it can tolerate some drought, regular watering during dry periods can promote better flowering. It is generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Due to its size and the showiness of its flowers, it is less commonly used for mass plantings and more often featured as a specimen plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Fynbos region of the Cape Provinces in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Kungsprotea , King Sugarbush
Scientific Names: Protea cynaroides , Erodendrum cynaraeflorum , Erodendrum cynariflorum , Leucadendron cynaroides , Protea cyclophylla , Protea cynaroides f. cyclophylla , Protea cynaroides f. eriolepis , Protea cynaroides subsp. cyclophylla , Protea cynaroides subsp. eriolepis , Protea eriolepis
GBIF Accepted Name: Protea cynaroides (L.) L.