Greek Mythology and Protea
Adding the word MAGUS, the Latin word for ‘wizard’, to ANIMAL, J.K. Rowling – author of the Harry Potter series - coined the term ‘ANIMAGUS’: a wizard who can become an animal yet retain magical powers.[1] One of the first wizards to display this ability was Proteus, of Greek Mythology. He was a servant of Poseidon, god of the oceans. Proteus enjoyed a special talent: the knowledge of past, present and future. Unfortunately, this meant he was often asked for predictions. To escape people he would quickly transform into a variety of animals and terrifying creatures. Something that changes shape is said to be ‘protean’. [2]                                     

Colorful protea flowers come in many forms, from tiny dwarf flowers to shrubs, and even trees. Their blooms range in size from two to twelve inches in diameter. As a family, Proteaceae is so diverse that it defied classification until 1735 when the Swedish naturalist, Linneaus, dared to give this family a name. Linneaus, named this family ‘Proteaceae’ after the Greek god 'Proteus.' This is an appropriate name for this plant which presents a breathtaking array of shapes, sizes, hues and textures. There are over 1,700 different species of this diverse family identified so far, although only about 150 are grown for commercial use. [3]

Regions of the World
Plant life research indicates that Proteaceae probably originated in South Africa along the southern coastal mountain ranges. Some 140 million years ago, Gondwana (the southern hemisphere combined into one land mass) started to break up into separate continents which, eventually, became India, Madagascar and the southern continents; Australasia, Antarctica and South America as we know them today. The ancient members of the Proteaceae family followed separate evolutionary courses on these now isolated landmasses as they moved to their current positions as they are today. Protea, Leucadendron and Leucospermum stayed mainly in Southern Africa, while their cousins, Banksias, moved to Australia. In New Zealand there are now just two living indigenous members of the Proteaceae family, yet the fossil record clearly shows the land once supported a rich, diverse range of Proteaceae.
 

Protea today
Proteas became quite a novelty in San Diego and Santa Barbara counties in the 1960’s when horticulturist Howard Asper first successfully propagated them. Thriving in the California soil, protea flowers became a booming industry and were eventually introduced to Hawaii. Both regions are so closely approximate to the native climate and soil of this family that propagation has been, and continues to be, a complete success. Protea are grown commercially in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, South America, Hawaii, and California. As seen from the growing areas, protea flowers are more of a Mediterranean-grown flower than a tropical. Proteas have bi-sexual flowers in cone-like heads with colored leaf-like bracts at the base, and are greatly valued by florists because of their unusual beauty and long vase life.

Protea in the garden
Although hard to grow, protea plants are undemanding once established. Proteas are fairly specific when it comes to growing requirements. Generally they need open, sunny areas and free-draining gravelly, sandy or basaltic loamy soil. The soil is generally acidic with a Ph of 5 to 6.5 for optimum growth and production, and a climate with mostly winter rainfall. Summer humidity is resented by the plants. Best suited for zones 8 to 10. They will not tolerate fertilizers rich in phosphorous. While pruning is not essential, regular flower removal encourages less straggly growth. Propagation is from seed, cuttings or grafting. Hybrid cultivars are usually grown from cuttings. Light frost is tolerated once established. Cultivation of the soil surface surrounding the plant is not advised. Good air circulation discourages fungal disease.

One of the easiest to grow in a garden setting is the ‘Pink Ice’ variety. This is a hybrid cultivar that is hardy and showy. Bright pink flowers with a silvery white fringed bract are produced abundantly during the flowering season (late winter into spring). This variety is disease resistant and tolerant of all soils including heavy clay. Do not pamper this plant unnecessarily.

It could be said that once established; the ‘Pink Ice’ protea will THRIVE ON NEGLECT. 

For protea bouquet ordering and purchase information, follow this link to Cape Flower Fields