
The King Protea
Widely grown for its outstanding flowers is the King Protea, the botanical name is Protea cynaroides and it is the national floral emblem of South Africa.
It is grown widely in Australia and in fact all around the world, the huge flowers are the main attraction.
Flowers can reach 25cm across and it is the intricate pattern created by the outer bracts and the inner stamens that combine to create one of natures gems.
Grown as an ornamental plant in the garden as well as for its cut flowers which have long lasting characteristics and can be dried.
King Protea Varieties
Three main forms are available, the species which has a reddish flowers, the wonderful ‘King white'(see picture below) with brilliant white flowers as well as pink form. Although the flowers are large the King protea plant itself is not, reaching around 1m in height, although we have seen specimens around twice this size.
Care
Like all protea’s this species requires a warm sunny position with a well drained soil is essential. These are a spreading plant and will take well to pruning.
- Best grown in full sun.
- It grows well in all soils as well as drainage is good.
- Suited to growing in containers, it will reach a height of around 1.5 metres, with a spread of over 1 metre, so a large container is required.
- Use a low phosphate fertiliser.
- Avoid wet soggy soils.
Fertilizing
For a plant with such wonderful flowers the King Protea requires little fertilizer, we like to use a liquid seaweed fertilizer twice a year, seems to work well for us. In containers us a slow release Australian Native plant food, or a specialist protea formula which will be low in phosphorus.

Pruning
If you pick the protea flowers chances are you will be doing all the pruning you need.
Protea’s flower on one year old growth, so this years non flowering shoots will be next years flowers. So prune after flowering for best results.
You can prune back by 50% to reshape the plant if need, however you will need to leave around 15cm of foliage as a minimum to prevent die back.
Growing in Containers.
You can grow the King Protea in containers, it will need a free draining potting mix that is kept moist. Best results in pots will be obtained if you repot every two years as the potting soil becomes exhausted.
Propagation
It is possible to propagate the King Protea from seed as well as cuttings. Cuttings is the preferred method as this ensures that flower colour will be consistent with the parent plant.
Cuttings are taken of the current season growth.
- Take a cutting around 10 cm long. Look for thiner stems as these seem to strike more readily.
- Strip the lower foliage away.
- Trim the upper foliage in half.
- Dip the lower section in a rooting hormone or in honey.
- The cutting is placed in a normal potting mix.
- You will need to provide some bottom heat, so a heated propagation tray can be used.
- Mist spray every second day or so depending on conditions.
- Once new growth is evident remove and keep the cutting in a protected position and pot up when more good growth is evident.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Protea cynaroides
- Common Names – King Protea.
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Well drained, slightly acidic.
- Height – Around 2 metres
- Spread – Around 2 metres.
- Flowers – Pink.
- Flowering time – Spring to Summer.
- Foliage – Large deep green.
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Frost tolerant – Medium
- Drought tolerant – Yes, once established
Protea Problems
No flowers
- Too much shade
- Lack of water in autumn and winter
- Plant is immature
You may also be interested in :
The Following Nurseries may have this plant in stock or be able to order it in for you.
In Victoria try
Acorn Nursery 673 Canterbury Road Surrey Hills
Banksia Nursery Burwood Highway Knox
Din Sans Trade Market 418 Old Dandenong Road Dingley
Pinewood Quality Nursery 478 Blackburn Road Glen Waverley
Warran Glen Nursery 373 Ringwood Rd Warrandyte Rd Warrandyte
Wishing Well Nursery 407-409 Monbulk Road, Monbulk
In Act Try
Heritage Nursery 21330 Weston Park Road Yarralumla
In New South Wales Try
Bonds Nursery Terrey Hills Pty Ltd 277 Mona Vale Road Terrey Hills
Heritage Gardens Nursery New England Highway Ashtonfield
Lee Rowan’s Gardenworld 72 Pacific Highway Ourimbah
In South Australia Try
Barossa Nursery 3186 Barossa Valley Way Nuriootpa
Swanson’s Nursery 67 North Terrace Littlehampton