What kind of growing environment suits the king protea

Other names for the king protea

Protea cynaroides, sugarbush

Morphological characteristics of the king protea

A perennial, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub. Its flower is actually a flower head, with many stamens surrounded by large, richly colored bracts.

The flower head is 12-30 cm in diameter. The diameter of the flower head varies between 12 cm and 30 cm. In a single growing season, a large, sturdy king protea plant can produce 6-10 flower heads, and an individual plant can produce 40 flower heads in one growing season. The color of the flower head bracts varies from creamy white to deep red. It has thick stems and glossy leaves, and the plant reaches about 1 m in height when mature.

Growth habits of the king protea

The king protea prefers a warm, slightly dry and sunny environment. It is not cold-tolerant, prefers well-drained soil, and dislikes waterlogging. It requires loose, well-drained acidic soil. In winter the temperature generally should not fall below 7 degrees, though some varieties can tolerate around zero degrees. The soil for seedlings needs good drainage. During the growing period, it needs a cool, dry climate in summer, with appropriate shading during strong sun; the suitable growing temperature is 27 degrees. In winter it needs a warm, sunny environment with slightly higher air humidity.

Main value of the king protea

Ornamental: The king protea is an evergreen shrub with lush branches and leaves, large flowers, upright bracts and petals, and exceptionally beautiful colors. It has a long ornamental period and is suitable for potted display, and is also an excellent material for cut flowers and dried flowers.

Medicinal: relieves cough, benefits the brain, clears nasal congestion, promotes urination, softens the skin, lowers blood pressure, calms the nerves, soothes, and promotes sweating.