Proteas are a unique and striking addition to any garden, adding a touch of the exotic with their bold colours and unusual forms. Native to the southern hemisphere, mainly South Africa and Australia, these plants belong to one of the oldest families of flowers on earth. When cultivating proteas, it’s important to mimic their natural environment to some extent. They flourish in sunny positions with free air circulation and have a preference for windy areas. The ideal soil for proteas is sandy, acidic, well-drained, and rocky, which emulates their native habitat.
While proteas are tolerant of poor soils and require little fertiliser, they demand careful consideration regarding planting time and location. In regions with winter rainfall, the recommendation is to plant proteas during the cooler months of autumn, while in areas that experience summer rainfall, it is best to wait until spring, after the risk of frost has passed. This ensures that the plants establish themselves under favourable conditions.
It is also crucial when planting proteas to ensure the hole is spacious enough, generally recommended to be twice the size of the plant’s container, giving the roots ample room to grow. Initially, deep watering once a week can support the plant through its establishment phase, which typically spans the first two years. With these conditions met, proteas can become a captivating feature in a garden, rewarding growers with their exceptional beauty and resilience.
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