Protea cynaroides

Common Name :

King Protea

Product Use :

Cut Flower

Pronunciation :

pro-TEE-a sin-a-ROY-deez

Family Roots :

Member of the Proteaceae (protea family). 

Native to South Africa. 

Common relatives include Grevillea, Leucodendron, Leucospermum and Banksia.

Personality :

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.

Availability :

Year-round of one type or another.

Flower Color :

Range from pink and white to red.

Decorative Life :

10-20 days.

Ethylene Sensitivity :

Low

Post Harvest
Care Opportunities :

Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution. 

Leaf blackening due to low light, keep in well-lit situation.

Storage Specifics :

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

Tidbits :

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.