Sign In 
Get Premium Brown-Beard Sugarbush
(Protea speciosa)
Brown-Beard Sugarbush (Protea speciosa)
/
/
Jeremy Gilmore
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jeremy Gilmore
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jeremy Gilmore | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jeremy Gilmore | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-09T08:36:04-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Protea speciosa, commonly known as Brown-Beard Sugarbush, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa. It typically grows upright to a height of 1.2 meters. The plant is renowned for its large, striking flowerheads that bloom from June to January, with a peak in September to October. The flowers are notable for their unique appearance, with a central mass of brownish bristles surrounded by colorful bracts, often in shades of pink or red. The plant is monoecious, with both male and female reproductive structures present in each flower. Bird pollination is a key ecological interaction, as birds seek out the nectar and inadvertently transfer pollen.
Brown-Beard Sugarbush is valued for its distinctive and showy flowers, which make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. It is also used in cut flower arrangements due to the longevity of its blooms. In cultivation, it requires well-drained, acidic soils and tolerates drought once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It is important to avoid phosphorus-rich fertilizers, as Protea species are sensitive to high phosphorus levels. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Brown-Beard Sugarbush is valued for its distinctive and showy flowers, which make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. It is also used in cut flower arrangements due to the longevity of its blooms. In cultivation, it requires well-drained, acidic soils and tolerates drought once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It is important to avoid phosphorus-rich fertilizers, as Protea species are sensitive to high phosphorus levels. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2.5-4 feet
- Width: 1.5-2.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Protea speciosa, Protea coccinea, Leucadendron speciosum, Erodendrum magnificum, Erodendrum obtusum, Erodendrum speciosum, Protea barbata, Protea obtusa, Protea patersoniae
GBIF Accepted Name: Protea speciosa (L.) L.