Protea
As South Africans, we are all aware of the jewel that is our national flower, the protea. These hardy plants make for beautiful garden additions across the country and require very little in the way of maintenance. Read on and discover why the protea has earned the spotlight as this week's plant of the week.
- Proteas are indigenous to South Africa, making them a perfect ecological choice for our gardens.
- The King protea is South Africa's national flower and can bloom to the size of a dinner plate.
- Proteas are exceptionally water-wise, making them great garden additions for areas susceptible to drought.
- These beautiful blooms thrive in rocky, acidic soils where many other plants don't perform as well.
- Protea flowers are high in nectar and will attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies which are essential pollinators for other plants.
- Proteas are low maintenance plants which are naturally resistant to many diseases.
- A variety of hybrids are now available, that have flowers blooming gracefully throughout the year.
- Some varieties are even suited to be potted for balconies, or for those whose gardens have unsuitable soils.
- Proteas enjoy a location with a lot of sunshine and free-flowing air.
- Proteas won't require fertiliser as they are used to nutritionally poor soils.
- Allow newly planted proteas to have a weekly deep-drip watering for their first two years to ensure healthy and sufficiently deep root growth.
- Most garden varieties will reach 1-2 meters tall, however, there are a few species that can reach 5 meters tall!
- Protea flowers come in a large variety of colours including cream, golden yellow, salmon pink, rose red, apricot, dark orange, bright orange, light pink, dark pink, royal purple.
- Their roots can be susceptible to fungal attacks so it is vital that their roots remain undisturbed once established.
- Pruning can help to reduce the chance of disease and extend the plant's life. Prune after flowering has finished by cutting 10 cm above where branches lead away from the main stem and cut out any weak or damaged stems you find.
Proteas are the perfect bloom to proudly exhibit in any South African garden and are readily available in nurseries across the country. Make the ecological choice when considering any new additions to your garden.
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14 Dec 2018
Author Lillian Rencken