This large shrub to small tree has a short greyish trunk with many spreading branches that form an in regular rounded bushy habit. It has leathery grey green elliptical leaves and the bearded pink cone-shaped flower head appears from autumn to winter.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Protea laurifolia is naturally found in the South Africa growing In open woodlands on the inland mountains of the Western Cape from Nieuwoudtville, south to the Paarl and Franschoek Mountains. It also grows to the western edge of the Karoo and is found at altitudes from 400 m (1,312 ft) to 1,200 m (3,937 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in well-drained dry sandy-stony soils that are moderately fertile and is pH adaptable. It is very drought tolerant but frost tender and dies off after fire.

The Laurel-leaf Protea is grown for its bushy habit and its attractive long-lasting flowers. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or along borders for screening and attracting birds. It is also used in semi-arid gardens tolerating inhospitable positions. 

It is suitable coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 4-7 years and is long-lived up to 70 years or more. The flowers are used in a floral arrangements in a plant can be grown in tubs or planter boxes. ID 2864

Protea (PROH-tee-uh) laurifolia (law-ree-FOH-lee-uh)

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