This upright shrub has erect spreading branches that form a irregular rounded habit. It has leathery oblong mid green leaves and the flower is composed florets that are enclosed in salmon-rose bracts that are tinged with black and appear during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Protea nerifoliais naturally found in the southern Cape Province of South Africa growing in coastal positions and is tolerant of salt laden winds.

It prefers a well drained sandstone based soil in an open sunny position and requires frost and strong wind protection but is mildly drought tolerant.

The Oleander Leafed Protea is grown for its attractive flowers and bushy habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders or as a specimen. It can also be planted in large tubs or planter boxes and used in dry landscapes. It will grow in protected coastal positions and establishes in 3 to 5 years but tends to be short lived. In cold regions it is grown in a glasshouse and place is a sunny position and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. ID 647

Note:
It was first collected for cultivation in 1597 and there are several forms with varying flower colour from pink, yellow-green to white.

Protea(PRÔ-tee-a) nerifolia(nay-ree-i-FO-lee-a)

'Protea`: after the ancient Greek divinity Proteus; 'neriifolia`: with leaves like Nerium oleander.

Proteaceae (pro-tee-AY-see-ee)
Protea Family