Robiq Proteas

Most definitely. Certain species are well  suited to this climate, and the proteas we supply are all grown  in  Gauteng.

Yes, they are grown in many countries around the world. These include Australia [ which has its own  few endemic proteas], New Zealand, USA, Hawaian islands, Israel and other countries.  They also grow in the Northern Province and are widespread in the Western Cape.

Probably  the most  important is well  drained soil. They grow in  poor soil conditions naturally and are therefore not plants that need to be pampered.

Secondly  they require a full sun position.

Thirdly they need space around them for the wind to blow through. This  minimises the risk of fungi, which like any plant, they are susceptible to.

Their water requirements differ slightly, but on average about 4-5 ltrs a week  should do  the trick. In winter they should be watered about  2-3 ltrs a week.

Proteas grow naturally in poor soil and do not require fertilising. In fact too  much phosphate can cause serious damage. Fertilisers are generally a NO NO for proteas. If you  insist, then use a very diluted organic kelp fertiliser.

Some species will produce the odd flower after about 18 months. This is a once off  until they are about 2 – 3  years. Then they will produce regularly.

This depends on the species. Most flower from about  December through to May, but there are a  number of varieties that are autumn and winter flowering.

This depends on the species. Some will  produce up to 80 flowers per bush – like  the pincushions – while most others will  produce between 8  and 25 per bush per year.

Yes, if you want more flowers and stronger bushes . A good time to  prune most bushes is in late winter when the chance of frost and very cold nights has past, and early spring. If pruned in autumn, the  new shoots will be susceptible to damage from very cold winds and frost.

Yes. They are all part of  the proteaceae family, but each has its own characteristics and each produce very different flowers. Proteas  generally refer to  the large flowers, leucadendrons to  the fillers and what is normally thought of as fynbos. The leucaspermums are the pincushions.

                                Much of the information given above applies to leucadendrons and leucaspermums as well.  For further help  consult any of the numerous books available on the protea family.