Protea cynaroides
Protea cynaroides
King Protea
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Taxonomy
Family Proteaceae · Genus Protea
Description
Protea cynaroides, the iconic King Protea, is a striking evergreen shrub with massive, artful flower heads and leathery silver-green leaves. Thriving in sunny, well-drained, low-phosphorus soils, it brings a dramatic, modern look to waterwise gardens and makes a superb long-lasting cut flower.
Common Names
King ProteaGiant ProteaCape Artichoke Flower
Context
nativeRegion
South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (fynbos).
usdaZones
9b-11
companionPlants
Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Erica (heaths), Restio (Restionaceae), Aloes, Grevillea
culturalUses
National flower of South Africa; prized in the cut-flower industry and symbolic of resilience and beauty.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6+ hours). Indoors, the brightest possible location.
WateringLow once established. Deep, infrequent watering; allow soil to nearly dry. Never waterlog.
SoilExceptionally well-drained, sandy/gritty, acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.0–6.5). Low in phosphorus.
FertilizerMinimal feeding only. Use a low-phosphorus native/protea fertilizer at half strength during active growth.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity with good air movement.
TemperatureIdeal 60–80°F (16–27°C). Tolerates brief light frosts to ~25–28°F (-4 to -2°C) when established; protect from hard freezes.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, low to medium shrub with upright, multi-stem form.
Mature Size3–6 ft tall and wide (0.9–1.8 m), occasionally larger in ideal sites.
Growth RateModerate (faster in sandy, sharply drained, low-phosphorus soils).
BloomingPrimarily late winter through spring; sporadic blooms at other times in mild climates.
DormancyEvergreen; slows growth in winter but no true dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (smoke-treated), Semi-hardwood cuttings, Grafting
DifficultyModerate to difficult (seed easier; cuttings require care).
Best SeasonAutumn for seed in Mediterranean climates; late summer to early autumn for cuttings.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead after flowering back to a pair of healthy leaves; light shaping only. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood.
RepottingDislikes root disturbance. If container-grown, use a protea mix and step up only every 2–3 years in late winter/early spring.
Pests & DiseasesRoot rot/Phytophthora in poor drainage; occasional scale, aphids, and mites. Sensitive to phosphorus burn.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
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