Photo of Protea cynaroides close-up, flower by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Buy Protea cynaroides

Also Known As

  • Giant Protea
  • Honeypot
  • King Protea
  • King Sugar Bush

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 1'-6'
  • W: 1'-6'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Big Fella 4”x 6” | $29.95

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Fewer than 20 at Waltzing Matilija

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Protea cynaroides plant details

Protea cynaroides is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, lean and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Protea cynaroides

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: proteaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 6 FT - wide, 1 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring
Uses: big flowers, container plant, cutting garden, exotic, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Protea cynaroides

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, lean and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the King Protea, is one of our favorite varieties in the garden. Its large, showy flowers can reach up to 10-12 inches in diameter and have a 3-4 week vase life! Kind of slow-growing (faster in a pot), it prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
South Africa's national flower, & the world's best know Protea. This species has large upward facing blooms – up to 11” across, with pink outer bracts. Prized as a cut flower, & jaw dropping in person, it's easy to understand why people will bend over backwards to grow this Protea outside its native range. Here are a few tips to get you started – the right soil is essential! Make sure it is free draining, & nutrient poor. If you have clay soil, incorporate lots of rotted pine needles. Proteas will not tolerant phosphorus, so feed very carefully & judiciously with something phosphate free, & slow releasing. An acid soil is preferred. Variable in height – from 1-6' in height & spread, & circulation around the plant is important, so I would err on the side of giving it breathing room if you can! Bloom time varies based on the provenance of the seed – this form blooms in Spring.

Gardening facts about Protea cynaroides plant

How to Grow Protea cynaroides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • lean
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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