This shrub as an upright spreading sparsely branched habit. The oval leaves are glossy green and the clusters of small flowers form a large cone -like inflorescence with red, pink or cream bracts with a silver edge and appears from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Protea cynaroides is naturally found in South Africa growing on rocky hill sides and in dry scrubland in very well drained stony organic rich soils that are tending acidic. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought tolerant, but frost tender.

King Protea is a fabulous flowering shrub and is the floral emblem of South Africa. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or in borders as a low screen. It is also grown in tubs or planter boxes for patios and as a glass house specimen in cool climates. The flowers are used in floral arrangements and the plant has a moderate growth rate establishing in 2 to 4 years. ID 1162

Protea(PRÔ-tee-a) cynaroides (si-nah-ROI-deez)

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