Soil

Proteas should be planted in well drained soils. Some varieties are more tolerant of heavy soils than others. See our Variety Listing for an indication of tolerance to heavier soils. In heavy soils, mix very well decomposed compost which is low in phosphates into the soil before making the planting hole. ARNELIA Protea Potting Mix has been specifically formulated for growing proteas. Simply filling the hole with compost is not a good idea as this only forms a reservoir for water to stand in which will increase the chances of root rot. Mounding heavy soil to improve drainage is a good idea and incorporating some gypsum to break up clay will also help.

Most varieties need a slightly acid soil, with a pH between 5 and 6.

Position

Plant your proteas in a position with full sunlight. Proteas require high light levels to photosynthesise effectively and to produce flowers. Proteas and Leucospermums (pincushions) planted in shade or semi-shade will struggle to flower and Leucadendrons (cone bushes) will not produce their brilliantly coloured foliage.

Frost

Once fully established, most proteas can tolerate some frost, although the flowers may be damaged. In areas where frost is a problem, plant only after frost is no longer a threat in late spring. While your plants are still young (first two years) protect them against frost by covering during the night or with overhead irrigation. Our Variety Listing gives an indication of frost tolerance.

Watering

Protea plants need to be well established before they can be truly drought tolerant. Immediately after planting, plants should be watered in thoroughly and thereafter watered to maintain soil moisture without causing the soil to be water logged. In practice, on most loamy soils this means watering twice or three times a week. In sandy soils with good drainage and in pots with the correct potting mix, plants should be watered daily. Proteas prefer drip irrigation to overhead irrigation as wet foliage increases the disease risk. Once that plants are established they can survive without any water or maybe a drink once a week in the heat of summer if water is available.

Mulch

A thick layer of bark, straw or leaves can be placed around plants to conserve soil water, keep the roots cool and reduce weed pressure. Avoid mushroom compost as this can be high in phosphorus.

Weeds

Proteas do not like competition and the area around your proteas should be kept free of weeds. Avoid cultivation around your plants, rather pull weeds out by hand when they are still small. To avoid unnecessary root disturbance to your proteas, hold the soil around the weed down by placing one hand flat on the ground around the weed and pull it out with the other hand. If you feel that pulling out the weed will up-root your protea, rather cut the weed off at ground level with a pair of secateurs.

Feeding

Proteas are adapted to growing in very nutrient poor soils. They have developed a root system capable of extracting the food they need from the soil and are very sensitive to applied fertilizers. Do not apply bone meal. Do not apply phosphates. Do not apply mushroom compost, chicken manure or any other manure for that matter. Most composts have high levels of nitrates, ammonium or phosphates and it is just not worth the risk. Once established in the ground your protea will look after itself and the best thing you can do is not to feed it at all. In sandy soils and pots you can use Talbourne Organics Vita-Green at half the recommended rate.

Pruning

To enjoy a protea plant with a good shape for a long time it is necessary to do some basic pruning. Remove the flowers, either for the vase or after they have flowered, by cutting back leaving 10-15cm of each stem on the plant. Remove some of the thin and curly stems in the center of the bush to improve light penetration and increase air movement through the plant, thereby reducing pest and disease risk. Remove shoots lying on the ground or growing downwards towards the ground. Prune your plants in late winter the first year after planting and then every year after flowering. Avoid cutting back into older wood, especially if the leaves are not healthy green.

Cutflowers

Proteas in the garden can give you a very rewarding cut-flower supply for the vase in your home. Strip the leaves off the part of the stem that will be in the vase. The flowers are very thirsty and vases should be topped up with fresh water every day. Use a clean vase and add a tablespoon of household bleach to each litre of water in the vase. Display your arrangement in a cool place out of direct sunlight for the longest vase life.