The Essential Guide To The Protea
Botanical Name: Protea spp. (The genus Protea consists of various species)
Common Name: Protea
General Knowledge: The Protea, known for its bold and dramatic flowers, is native to South Africa, where it's a part of the diverse fynbos ecosystem. In Australia, proteas are cultivated for their striking appearance in floral arrangements and as garden plants, with their large and distinctive blooms making a statement in any setting. A fun fact about the protea is that it is named after the Greek god Proteus, who could change his form at will, reflecting the enormous variety and diversity of flowers within its genus.
Colour Range: Protea flowers are known for their bold and vibrant colour displays. Common colours include pink, red, yellow, and cream, among others.
Australian Seasonal Availability:
P. cynaroides is available most of the year, peaking from July to December.
P. ‘Grandicolour’ is available in autumn (March–May) and spring (August–November).
P. magnifica is available from September to November.
P. neriifolia and P. ‘Pink Ice’ (P. neriifolia × P. susannae) are available from February to August, depending on the location.
P. repens is available from January to July.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: With its broad availability, Protea can be incorporated into events and weddings throughout much of the year in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Protea is commercially grown in Australia.
Buying Tips: Look for straight, strong stems with fully formed and mature flower heads. Ensure bracts open evenly, revealing the central dome, and that the flower size is proportional to stem length. Avoid stems with stubs below the flower head, overmature, deformed, dull, or poorly coloured flower heads, as well as any signs of leaf blackening, yellowing, spotting, disease, or live insects.
Flower Maturity: When purchasing Proteas, it is crucial to select flowers that are at the right stage of maturity. The flower head should be fully formed and at mature size, with undamaged bracts opening evenly to reveal the central dome. The size of the flower should be proportional to the length of the stem. Flowers that are too mature may have deformed, dull, or poorly coloured heads, and these should be avoided. Ensuring you select flowers at the right stage of maturity will help in providing a longer vase life and a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Expected Vase Life: Up to 2 weeks, with the option to dry the flowers afterwards for prolonged use.
Typical Stem Length: Generally 40–80 cm, with P. cynaroides reaching up to 100 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: 5 stems per bunch.
Design Tips and Advice: Given their large, dominant heads and heavy woody stems, Proteas are often used as focal points in arrangements. Ensure balance and form in arrangements and bunches. Suitable for various design styles, including modern, contemporary, and traditional. Individual leaves of king Proteas can be used for backing posies and layering in arrangements.
Floral Preservatives: Yes, commercial floral preservative/floral food is recommended.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Protea is not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Maintain cool storage conditions at 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Special care is needed to avoid leaf blackening, a condition resulting from the cut stem drawing on carbohydrate reserves in the leaves. This issue accelerates in warmer climates, and Proteas stored at warm temperatures and under low light. Regularly cut stems, change water, and use flower food. Avoid storing P. repens and other species prone to leaf blackening in cool storage; these need to be sold quickly. Ensure good hydration throughout the supply chain.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Proteas should be stored at a cool temperature to maintain their freshness and prolong their vase life. The recommended storage temperature is between 2–4 °C. This cool environment helps to slow down the aging process of the flowers and keeps them in a dormant state until they are ready to be used. It is important to ensure that the cool room is clean and well-ventilated to prevent the growth of Mold or bacteria which could harm the flowers.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Although Proteas are not sensitive to ethylene, it is still crucial to maintain good storage practices to ensure their longevity and quality. This includes keeping them away from fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, as exposure to this gas can lead to premature aging and wilting of the flowers. Ensuring proper ventilation in the storage area also helps in dissipating any ethylene gas present, creating a better environment for the flowers.