Protea cynaroides

The Protea cynaroides, also known as the King Protea, is the floral emblem of South Africa. It is a truly fascinating perennial plant, but not very hardy, which will be the pride of gardeners who enjoy challenges. 

The King Protea is a perennial bushy plant that belongs to the Protea family. It is widely spread in South Africa and can adapt to mountainous environments. This plant is variable in colour and shape and is linked to the ecology of fire, which breaks the dormancy of its seeds. 

The bush develops multiple thick, spreading stems from the base and slowly spreads over time, reaching a height between 40 cm (15.7 in) and 1 m (3 ft 4 in) 20. The long red petioles carry elongated, pointed, leathery, alternate leaves that can absorb atmospheric humidity. The King Protea can produce up to ten heads per season, held at each branch's end. The floral buds resemble magnificent artichokes with pearlescent scales, and the flowers are large heads that measure 12 to 30 cm (4.7 to 11.8 in) in diameter. 

The head blooms with bright pink and velvety bracts that open onto a feathery plateau, white to pink, as if powdered. Flowering takes place from April to October and attracts numerous pollinating insects. The plant's thick roots also serve as a storage organ, and in the case of fire, it can regenerate from its roots, nourished by its own ashes. 

King Protea is a sensational plant that amazes and delights. It should be planted in coastal gardens spared from heavy frosts, in light soil that is not too chalky. Typically adapted to the Mediterranean climate, it is happy to be planted with poor, dry, arid soils. It will look good alone on large slopes or in the background of dry garden beds, but always in an open situation, in full sun. In an exotic garden, it can be associated with Canary Island Bugloss, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia mellifera, Giant Fennel, Giant Scabious, Melianthus major, or hybrid mulleins. 

This evergreen species forms a spreading bush from the base, with floral heads reminiscent of large flared cups. Its pink feathery bracts surround a heart of powdered pink flowers. Depending on the climate, the flowering occurs from April to October and is very durable in dried bouquets. Cultivation in large pots is preferable in cooler temperatures. This treasure of nature deserves an attempt at sowing, sometimes requiring patience and precision.