King Protea – Protea cynaroides

Common Name: King Protea

Botanical Name: Protea cynaroides, pro-TEE-a sin-a-ROY-deez

Decorative Life: 10-20 days.

Flower Color: Pink, Red, White

Availability: Year Round

• Member of the Proteaceae (protea family).
• Native to South Africa.
• Common relatives include Grevillea, Leucodendron, Leucospermum and Banksia.

• Numerous flowers in dome-shaped heads, 12 inches across, surrounded by stiff colored bracts, giving a crown-like appearance.
• Stems with leathery leaves, cut to various lengths.
• Plant is an evergreen shrub, classed as a dicotyledon.
• Flowers are not fragrant.

32-34 F, provide light during storage to prevent leaf blackening. Use fresh flower foods before storage also to reduce/prevent leaf blackening.

• Named after Proteus, a Greek sea god with the power of prophecy. The species name of cynaroides refers to the plant’s resemblance to artichoke whose Latin name is Cynara.
• In 1976, the King Protea (P. cynaroides) was designated the national flower of South Africa. Need very little care in the landscape.
• King types can grow as large as 3-4 feet tall with flowers 8-10 inches in diameter with white centers. Pink Ice is one of the most popular cultivars.
• Spectacular focal points in contemporary arrangements, the durable Protea will often bloom for several months.
• Suitable for drying. Leaves can turn black due to low light and especially due to lack of carbohydrate. Therefore, make sure a fresh flower food containing sugar is used.