Protea | Australian Grow & Care Guide

Getting to Know the Protea

The protea plants come in many stunning varieties and cultivars, each with its own growing characteristics and flower colours. Whether you are looking at establishing one in your garden or a pot, there’s bound to be the right pick for your needs.

Proteas do require a little know-how and effort to establish, meaning they may not be the right choice for a new gardener. However, once they are established, these showy wildflowers are pretty easy-going and very hardy. 

Contrary to popular belief, protea plants are native to South Africa where about 90 percent of the country’s proteas are found in what is known as the Cape Floristic Region which is a narrow stretch of the south and southwestern coastal mountain ranges, considered one of the world’s most biodiverse areas.

Protea, part of the Proteaceae family, is closely related to some of our showiest native plants like banksias, grevilleas and waratahs, so they are known to grow well in most Australian regions. 

There are many different species of protea and many unique cultivars in the genus, some more popular than others. There are a few great options for those who are looking for a bigger garden plant and there are others that suit smaller potted positions outside.

The flowers make for excellent, long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements and these plants are commonly used as ornamental features in gardens, offering unique textures and colours to complement existing collections. Proteas can survive fires.

Most Popular Protea Varieties & Cultivars

Close Protea Relatives 

Falling under the same family, these plants are not proteas but they do resemble their close cousins and also feature beautifully colourful blooms. 

• Leucospermum – Commonly known as pin cushion proteas, these are shrub-like plants that come in many different vibrant colours. Suited for temperate climates. 
• Serruria – A short-lived group of plants that produce exquisite cream-coloured blooms with dustings of light pink. The most well-known variety is the ‘Blushing Bride’.
• Leucadendron – Also known as cone bushes, these shrubs feature pinecone-shaped flowers and leaves with yellowish tips. Common varieties include ‘Safari Sunset’ or the larger growing ‘Silver Tree’.
   
  (Check out our Leucadendron growing guide for more info about this plant and its popular varieties.) 

How to Grow Protea in Australia

Proteas are easiest to grow from seedlings or propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. It is possible to grow from seed but this method is not as reliable and takes far longer for the plant to establish itself.

Contact a reputable local nursery in your area to get your healthy starter plant or use a disease-free parent plant to take your cutting from. It is recommended to plant in autumn or spring.

Best Planting Conditions for Protea

Proteas can be fussy so giving them the best growing conditions will ensure you have a happy and healthy plant. If possible, try planting on a sloped bed or raised bed if planting in the garden as this will help to ensure excellent drainage. 

Here are some conditions that proteas need to thrive.

Sunlight Needs

Proteas will grow best in full sun positions. The more sun they get, the more prolific the blooms will be. They also need good air circulation so an open spot will give them the space they need to flower and grow. 

Best Soil for Protea

Your soil must be free-draining so try to avoid heavy clay soils and rather use sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. For potted plants, use a quality native potting mix in containers that also feature drainage holes at the bottom. 

Temperature & Humidity

Proteas are pretty tolerant to heat and cold once established. They can grow in temperature ranges of about -6°C to 40°C but won’t respond well to long exposure on either extreme of the spectrum.

They do not enjoy high humidity once established so general outdoor humidity should suffice once your plant has matured.

Propagating Protea Using Cuttings

• Cuttings should be taken in late summer to autumn when the wood is semi-hard.
• Using a sterilised and sharp tool, take a 20 to 25 centimetre cutting from the parent plant in the early morning before the heat of the day has set in.
• Prepare a propagation container with a soilless medium like equal parts coconut coir and perlite. 
• Remove the leaves from the bottom half of your cuttings stem and dip the planting end into some rooting hormone. 
• Plant the cutting about one-third of the stem’s length into your mix. 
• Place the container in a warm and humid location with good ventilation to prevent any fungal issues. 
• Water well and mist regularly. 
• Let your cutting establish new growth and roots for a month or so before transplanting. 

Helpful Guide: How to Take Cuttings – Ultimate Propagation Guide

How to Plant Protea 

Planting Protea Seedling in the Garden

• Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun and plenty of ventilation. 
• Pre-prepare the area with some organic mulch and compost for added nutrients. 
• Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and to the same depth as the starter plant's root ball. 
• Gently remove the seedling from its current container, taking care not to disturb the roots as much as possible. 
• Position the plant in your hole and slowly backfill with soil, gently firming the soil around the plant for a sturdy foundation.
• Water your young protea regularly while it grows, especially if there is little rain. 
• Mulch as needed when your plant starts to show healthy new growth and development. 

Planting Protea Seedling in a Pot

• Choose a pot or container that is at least double the size of your young plant. 
• Your pot should also feature good drainage and allow the plant to get healthy amounts of air circulation. 
• Prepare your pot with a quality and coarse potting mix. 
• Dig a hole big enough for the root ball of your plant to fit comfortably. 
• Gently transfer the plant into your hole and water well. 
• You can lightly mulch around the plant if needed.
• Place your pot in a location that gets plenty of sunlight and water regularly while the plant is developing.

Protea Care Tips

Watering Schedule

Once matured, proteas have very low water needs. After about the first year, you can water about once per week, especially in hot and dry spells or when it's the flowering season.

They are also drought-tolerant so try to avoid overwatering. Potted proteas may need a little more water as the soil will dry out a little faster than a garden bed. 

Fertilising Protea

Fertilising proteas is not recommended as their roots absorb nutrients quickly and are sensitive to phosphorus. If you feel your plant may need a boost, rather consider using organic mulch. 

Mulching 

Apply a leaf or bark mulch around the drip line of your plant, away from the trunk in the growing seasons about once per month. When mulching, pull out any weeds by hand to keep the area clean. 

Useful Guide: Best Types of Mulch - When and How to Use It

Pruning Protea

It is considered best practice to pick the spent flowers from your plant by hand rather than hard-pruning them. You can remove some stems if needed.

Prune only the flowered stems and not the un-flowered stems as those are next season's blooms. For young plants, tip prune in spring and summer to encourage bushy growth.

Protea Frequently Asked Questions

Are proteas hard to grow?

These plants are not for beginners as they can be fussy with conditions and climates. They need heat, sun and well-draining soil to thrive. However, if you’re up for the challenge, these plants are worth the effort and the unique showy flowers can easily elevate the appeal of your garden. 

Do proteas flower all year round?

Certain species and cultivars can flower all year in the right conditions. However, most proteas flower in late winter to spring, exactly when the garden needs some colour and life. 

Are proteas toxic?

Yes. The flowers, nectar and seeds are highly poisonous to humans and pets so the location will need to be considered accordingly. All parts of the plant can also cause skin irritation and inflammation in the mouth and tongue if consumed.