Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Peter Baker

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Protea scolymocephala

Also Known As

Thistle Protea

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

9a-10b

Protea scolymocephala plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Protea scolymocephala

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: proteaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, rare, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Protea scolymocephala

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Thistle protea (not in the least bit thistly) is a dainty little beast sporting creamy-green flowerheads that will light up any small space or larger container.

By: Waltzing Matilija

I can't wait to take this cutie-pie (& super rare) Protea home! Said to be (relatively!) easy to grow, this dainty 3' shrub is densely branching & demure of color. Growing to just 3', it bears globe-shaped buds that are a soft green tinged with pink, & open to just 2”. This species is virtually unknown in cultivation. Most of its habitat has been lost to urbanization & invasive, non-native plants. The new growth shows very red stems! Here are a few tips for Protea success: the right soil is essential! Make sure it is free draining & nutrient poor. If you have clay soil, incorporate lots of rotted pine needles. Feed very carefully & judiciously with something phosphate free & slow releasing. A sandy, acid soil is preferred. Circulation around the plant is important, so I would try & give it breathing room if you can!