King protea (Protea cynaroides) is a conservatory or greenhouse grown type of plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant King protea (Protea cynaroides).
This plant has several common names including: king protea or Cape artichoke flower.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: king protea, Cape artichoke flower
Scientific name: Protea cynaroides
Plant type: Conservatory & Greenhouse, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Mediterranean Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: Drought resistant
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant King protea (Protea cynaroides) – Greenplanet.co.za, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant King protea (Protea cynaroides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
King protea (Protea cynaroides) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Protea cynaroides likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
King protea (Protea cynaroides) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing King protea (Protea cynaroides) – © Pierre André, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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