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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Proteaceae (Proteas) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Protea cynaroides (King Protea) - Shrub with reddish stems and large rounded green leaves to 3 to 5 feet tall and wide with huge 5-10 inch flowers. These pale silky pink or sometimes deep crimson flowers, form a roundish central peak of flowers surrounded by rays of darker pink bracts. Flowers cover the shrub from autumn to spring with some scattered bloom throughout the year. Plant in full sun in a well-drained, preferably acid, soil. Requires little irrigation and tolerates coastal conditions. Protect from frost and temperatures below 28° F. Cut flowering stems back to base after flowering. It is an attractive garden plant for a nice well-drained site in the garden or as a container specimen and a great cut flower for arrangements. This species has a wide distribution through the fynbos in the southern parts of South Africa, an area subject to wildfires for which Protea cynaroides is well adapted with its thick underground stems that have dormant buds that sprout up after a fire. It is the national flower of South Africa. The genus and plant family is named for the Greek god Proteus, who was able to change between many forms and reflects the incredible variety and diversity of the plants in the family. The specific epithet means like plants in the genus Cynara, the Artichoke, in reference to the like appearance of the flower buds. Other common names include Giant Protea, Honeypot and King Sugar Bush. We also grow a pure white selection called Protea cynaroidesa 'Arctic Ice' and a dwarf form called Protea cynaroides 'Mini King'.
The information on this page is based on research conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from online sources, and from observations made of the crops growing in our nursery, plants in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Protea cynaroides. |
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