Proteas and Pincushions

How to choose a protea or pincushion

The King Protea is the largest, with a great cup shaped flower, and the Little Prince Protea is a more compact selection of the same species. Hybrid proteas such as the Pink Ice Protea and White Ice Protea are bred for reliability and strong cut flowers.

Pincushions are generally rounder shrubs with flowers in orange, red and gold, for example the Carnival Orange Pincushion, the Blooming Red Pincushion and the Goldie pincushion. Mature size varies a lot, from knee high to well over a metre and a half, so check the plant description before choosing a spot.

Where proteas grow

Proteas come from the Cape region of South Africa, with its dry summers and mild, wet winters, so they do best in a Mediterranean style climate with full sun and free air movement. They can struggle in very humid, warm wet summers, where root disease and leaf spot are more common, so give them the best drainage you can in those areas and use a raised bed. They tolerate light frosts once established.

For similar sun loving, low fuss plants, see our leucadendrons, banksias and drought tolerant plants.

Proteas and pincushions are very popular with nectar feeding birds, and with bees, so a mass of them draws wildlife into the garden. They also make a useful, evergreen backbone for a dry garden, with silvery or grey green leaves that look good even when the plant is not in flower.

Planting and spacing

Plant in full sun in a well drained, slightly acidic, low fertility soil. Mound heavy soils so water runs away from the stem. Do not dig compost or manure into the hole. Space most proteas and pincushions about one and a half to two metres apart, and mulch lightly with coarse material kept off the stem.

Care basics

Water regularly in the first year and then only in extended dry weather. Feed sparingly with a low phosphorus native fertiliser, since phosphorus harms proteas. Prune after flowering, cutting stems back to leafy growth; cutting into bare old wood rarely reshoots, so prune a little each year rather than hard. Cut flowers when the bracts begin to open.

Planting several of the same variety together makes a better display and a better cut flower supply. Pincushions in particular suit rockeries, banks and the top of a retaining wall, where water runs away quickly.

Common questions

Do proteas flower all year?

Not quite. Each type has a main season, most in late winter to early summer, though some hybrids flower over a longer period.

Can proteas grow in pots?

Yes, in a large pot of free draining potting mix with good airflow, kept in full sun.

Why are my protea leaves going brown?

Browning is most often from wet roots, too much phosphorus or humid, still conditions. Check drainage first.

Are proteas good for cut flowers?

Very. The flowers hold their shape for weeks in a vase and dry well.