Fynbos
King Protea
Botanical Name
Protea cynaroides
FromR380
In stock — ready for delivery or collection
- Full Sun
- Compact Growth
- Flowering
- Pet Friendly
Product Info at a Glance
The Protea cynaroides is a definitive symbol of the South African landscape. This indigenous evergreen shrub is noted for its architectural presence and sculptural flower heads, which emerge from mid-winter through to early summer. It is a slow-growing specimen that rewards patience with a sense of permanence and understated drama in the garden.Garden IntegrationAs a waterwise species, the King Protea is ideally suited to fynbos-inspired gardens and coastal environments. It reaches a mature height of between 1.5 and 2 metres, providing a structural focal point that remains green throughout the year. The plant is considered pet safe, making it a thoughtful choice for shared outdoor spaces.Cultivation and Care
Success with this species relies on emulating its natural habitat. It requires a position in full sun with excellent air movement and acidic, well-drained soil. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the root zone, and one should never use phosphorus-rich fertilisers. To maintain its form, a light prune is recommended after the flowering season has concluded. Water moderately with a deep weekly soak. Ensure soil is well-drained and acidic. Avoid mulching directly against the stem.
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Know your plant
Everything it needs to thrive.
Plant Profile
Plant Snapshot
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Watering
- Moderate
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Mature Height
- 1.5 m
- Flowering
- Mid-Winter • Early Summer
- Pet Safety
- Pet Safe
- Soil Type
- Well-drained, acidic fynbos-type soil
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Evergreen
- Waterwise
- Waterwise
Getting started
Simple Steps for Success
Step 01
Prepare your planting position
Choose the correct light for this plant and prepare well-drained soil.
Step 02
Plant at the correct depth
Keep the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface.
Step 03
Water thoroughly
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Step 04
Mulch and monitor
Apply mulch away from the stem and monitor moisture as it establishes.
Ongoing care
Care that Keeps it Thriving
Watering
Rhythm: moderate; deep watering once a week in well-drained soil.
Water deeply after planting to settle the roots, then taper to the natural rhythm above once established (usually four to six weeks).
Feeding
A balanced organic fertiliser applied in spring and again in late summer keeps slow growth steady and healthy.
Soil Preparation
Prefers well-drained, acidic fynbos-type soil.
Work in generous compost when planting, ensure sharp drainage, and mulch the surface to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Maintenance
Light, formative pruning once a year is usually all this evergreen needs.
🌿 Nursery Note
We've grown King Protea successfully across the West Coast and Winelands for many seasons — one of the most dependable evergreens for a Cape garden.
Give it an open, sunny spot and it will settle in without fuss. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first summer; established plants reward consistency more than volume.
— Groen Nursery