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(Protea laurifolia)
Grey-Leaf Sugarbush (Protea laurifolia)
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Africa Wild Forum
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Africa Wild Forum
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Africa Wild Forum | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Africa Wild Forum | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Protea_Laurifolia_Grey-leaf_Sugarbush.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Kirstenbosch Gardens Cape Town |Source=self-made |Date=August 2007 |Author= [[User:Andrew massyn|Andrew massyn]] }} |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Protea laurifolia, commonly known as Grey-leaf Sugarbush, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of the Western Cape in South Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). The Grey-leaf Sugarbush is characterized by its silvery-grey foliage and large, bowl-shaped pink flowers that bloom from mid-Autumn to early Winter, particularly from April to November. The flowers are quite showy and make it a popular ornamental plant. It is monoecious, with both male and female reproductive parts present in each flower.
This species is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native habitat, thriving in full sun and requiring very low to low amounts of water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. In cultivation, it is often used in rock gardens, as a specimen plant, or in coastal gardens due to its tolerance to wind and salt spray. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Protea laurifolia is also valued for cut flowers due to the longevity and beauty of its blooms.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native habitat, thriving in full sun and requiring very low to low amounts of water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. In cultivation, it is often used in rock gardens, as a specimen plant, or in coastal gardens due to its tolerance to wind and salt spray. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Protea laurifolia is also valued for cut flowers due to the longevity and beauty of its blooms.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Orange, Pink
- Flowering Season: Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos region of the Western Cape in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Lagerprotea
Scientific Names: , Protea laurifolia, Protea melaleuca, Protea villosa, Protea comigera, Protea glauca, Protea lepidocarpon, Protea nigrita, Scolymocephalus marginatus, Scolymocephalus melaleucus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Protea laurifolia Thunb.