As the national flower of South Africa, Protea cynaroides is the most iconic and arguably the most spectacular variety. From the plant's perspective, it is a robust, evergreen shrub that has evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and can withstand wind and drought once established. Its most famous feature is its enormous flower head, which can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Botanically, this "flower" is actually a composite flower head (an inflorescence) containing a dense collection of smaller individual flowers, surrounded by large, colorful bracts that range from creamy white to deep crimson. The plant itself typically forms a rounded, spreading shrub reaching 3 to 4 feet in height and width, making it a substantial focal point in the garden. It requires a sunny, open position with excellent air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Protea neriifolia is an excellent choice for home gardeners due to its relative adaptability and prolific flowering nature. The plant is characterized by its narrow, leathery, dark green leaves that resemble those of an oleander, an adaptation to reduce water loss. It grows into a well-shaped, upright shrub, typically between 4 to 6 feet tall. Its floral display is exceptional; the flower heads are smaller than the King Protea but are produced in abundance. These blooms feature a distinctive shape with a black-fringed, pink to red inflorescence surrounded by pale pink or creamy bracts, often with a soft, velvety texture. This species is known for its resilience and is one of the faster-growing proteas, often flowering within two years from seed. It is more tolerant of a wider range of soil types, provided the drainage is impeccable.
Historically the most commercially important protea, Protea repens is a hardy and reliable garden subject. The plant is a medium to large shrub, often reaching 6 to 8 feet in height, with a dense, bushy habit. Its leaves are linear to oblong and a rich green color. The key botanical interest of this species lies in its nectar production. The flowers exude a copious amount of sweet nectar, which was harvested by early settlers to make a sugar-like syrup, hence the common name "Sugarbush." The flower heads themselves are elongated and conical, usually in shades of deep red or sometimes creamy white. Protea repens is particularly valued for its tolerance of heavier soils compared to other proteas, though good drainage remains critical. It is also known for its longevity as a cut flower.
Protea compacta is a compact, rounded shrub, making it perfectly suited for smaller home gardens or container cultivation. The plant typically grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming a dense mound of foliage. Its leaves are small, grey-green, and closely set on the stems, giving it a fine-textured appearance. The flower heads are not as large as some other varieties but are produced profusely. They are characterized by their rounded shape and a beautiful color combination of soft pink to deep rose-pink bracts that tightly surround the central flower mass. This species is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in a hot, sunny position. Its manageable size and abundant flowering make it one of the most user-friendly proteas for the home gardener.
Offering a unique texture and form, Protea susannae is a distinctive choice. The plant forms a large, spreading shrub, but its growth habit is more open and architectural compared to the denser varieties. Its most notable feature is its foliage: the leaves are large, broad, and a bright glossy green, but when crushed, they emit a distinctive, pungent odor—a defense mechanism against herbivores. The flowers are strikingly different from the typical protea bloom. They are large, globe-shaped inflorescences with pointed, overlapping bracts that are creamy white to pale pink, creating a artichoke-like or pinecone appearance. This species adds dramatic structural interest to the garden and is well-suited to coastal conditions, tolering wind and salt spray better than many other proteas.
