Flower power – the protea plants
If you’re looking for something truly dramatic in the garden, protea plants are hard to beat. These striking South African natives have made themselves very much at home in Australia, thriving in our climate and rewarding gardeners with spectacular blooms through the cooler months and beyond.
Explore different types of protea plants
The protea family is broader than most people realise. True proteas produce the large, architectural blooms most people recognise, with the dinner-plate-sized King Protea (Protea cynaroides) being the most iconic, its enormous pink-red flower head ringed by pointed bracts. Leucadendrons are the leafy, cone-shaped members of the family, with colourful foliage varieties like Safari Sunset and Jester adding rich red and yellow tones to the garden.
How to grow protea plants successfully
All proteas prefer excellent drainage and a sunny, open position. They thrive in free-draining soils, particularly sandy soils and sandy loams — if your soil is heavier, create a mound to improve drainage. They’re remarkably drought tolerant once established but will sulk in waterlogged ground. They’re also sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilisers, so when feeding, use a low-phosphorus product formulated for Australian native plants.
Why now is the perfect time for protea plants
Many proteas are blooming or just coming into bloom right now. Head to your local garden centre and choose a few varieties that catch your eye.
