Proteas and other members of the proteaceae family are making a big come back after many years of neglect, mostly due to poor landscape placement and design style.
There are so many new and fabulous species to choose from now that they lend themselves to many different landscape design applications.
Another member of the same group of plants is the lesser known, but just as stunning, Serruria florida ‘Blushing Bride’ and ‘Pretty n Pink’. These dainty long lasting flowers make for beautiful potted specimens and would compliment the cutest of cottage gardens, something you would previously not have thought a place for any Proteaceae species.
Some other new comers to the Nursery are the Mimetes ‘Crackerjack Red’. These are in full bloom at the moment, showcasing an unusual white fluffy bell shaped flower.
We have great supply of the Aulax ‘Bronze Haze’ that was a show stopper in the feature gardens at Melbourne Flower Show earlier this year. Protea ‘Little Prince’ in a range of different sizes and the larger stock is in full bud, just waiting to burst open and show off its large stately blooms.
Later to come once the warmer weather is upon us will be the Leucospermums and the iconic Waratahs.
Gardenworld recommend you follow these 6 easy steps for growing Proteas:
1- Full Sun: Most types will benefit from a warm North facing position with the expection being some Waratahs.
2- Low Water: After an initial 18 months or so of establishment, your proteas will require little watering, mostly light summer watering but little to no winter waterings.
3- Frost Tolerant: While needing slight protection while young, all varieties will tolerate light frosts down to -1, which is great for melbourne conditions.
4- Well Drained Soils: proteas need well drained Acidic soils to thrive. When planting in heavier soils, add a little gypsum to the soil and mound your planting area to create height and aid in drainage.
5- Low to No Fertilizer: When planting in the garden, Proteas would benefit from a once a year application of a slow release feed, however most wont mind going without. When grown in containers, use a Native potting mix and add a Native slow release once a year also.
6- Pruning: From a young age to keep a good shape, cut all flowers and prune to desired shape immediately after flowering.