King protea.

At a glance

Care level

Difficult

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

6 to 10 feet

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to early autumn

Care

Provide excellent drainage and avoid disturbing the sensitive root system. Watch for yellowing leaves which often indicate poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure the plant receives maximum sunlight for the best blooms.

Watering

Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out significantly between sessions.

Feeding

Use a low phosphorus fertilizer sparingly, as these plants are sensitive to high nutrient levels.

Pruning

Prune back spent flower stems after blooming to encourage bushy growth.

Repotting

Only repot when absolutely necessary because the roots are very fragile.

Soil

Sandy, acidic, well draining

Soil pH

5.0 to 6.0

Temperature

0 to 35°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Drought tolerance

High

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years

Deer and rabbits

High

Safety

People

There are no reports of toxicity in humans.

Children

The sharp, pointed bracts of the flower head can be prickly and should be handled with care around small children.

Contact allergens

The stiff, leathery leaves and bracts can cause minor skin irritation if handled roughly.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not typically considered a significant airborne allergen.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

• Massive pink or red flower heads
• Thick, leathery, dark green leaves
• Large, woody, shrubby growth habit
• Prominent, bristly floral bracts

Height

1 to 2m

Spread

1 to 2m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

pink, white, red, 12 to 30cm

Fruit

brown, Late autumn

Common problems

• Root rot — Often caused by poor drainage or overwatering in heavy soils.

• Why is my King protea wilting and looking sickly?
• Why are the tips of my King protea leaves turning brown?
• Why is my King protea not producing any flowers?

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

Keep the plant in a bright, frost free location if you live in a cold climate. Ensure the soil remains on the drier side during the winter months.

In containers

It grows well in pots if you use a specialized protea mix and a pot at least 40 centimeters wide.

Group with other fynbos plants that require low phosphorus and excellent drainage.

Grows well with

• Cape Rush — It shares the same environmental needs and provides a nice textural contrast.
• African Lily — It thrives in similar dry, sunny conditions.

Similar species

• Sugarbush — It is another iconic South African shrub with similar cultural requirements.

Science

Family

Proteaceae

Genus

Protea

Order

Proteales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

South Africa

Conservation

It is widely cultivated and not considered threatened in the wild.

It thrives in nutrient poor, acidic, well drained soils typical of the fynbos biome.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, beetles, birds

Uses

cut flowers, ornamental shrub, xeriscaping

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, provided you use a well draining, acidic potting mix and a large container.

Does it need fertilizer?

No, it is highly sensitive to phosphorus and can be killed by standard fertilizers.

Where the name comes from

The genus name honors Proteus, a Greek god who could change his shape, reflecting the diversity of the genus. The species name cynaroides refers to its resemblance to the artichoke, Cynara.

Good to know

• The flower head is actually a collection of many small flowers surrounded by colorful bracts.
• It is incredibly drought tolerant once established.
• The blooms can last for several weeks in a vase.
• It is a fire adapted species that relies on smoke to trigger seed germination.

Also in

• Drought-tolerant plants
• Deer-resistant plants