Protea cynaroides Little Prince

Protea 'Little Prince' is a beautiful variety of King Protea with compact growth: it rarely exceeds 1 m (3ft) in height at maturity. Of great ornamental value, the cultivation of this variety, like all proteas, nevertheless requires a certain know-how. This truly fascinating bush will be the pride of amateur gardeners looking for challenges. The floral heads measure 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in diameter; with their flared cup shape, they evoke large fully bloomed artichokes, formed by tightly packed red-pink bracts on a heart of white stamens. The flowering, which takes place from September to May depending on the climate, is very long-lasting in dried flower arrangements. Hardy to -5°C, this small variety is very well suited for cultivation in pots outside the mildest areas of our country. This not only allows control of the composition of the growing medium, but also allows the plant to be stored as soon as the first frosts occur.

Protea cynaroides is a botanic species widely distributed in South Africa, variable in terms of colour and shape, adapting to many alpine environments. This perennial shrub plant of the Proteaceae family is native to the Cape region in South Africa. Strange in every respect, proteas often need fire to germinate their seeds.

'Little Prince' develops multiple thick stems, branching from the base and suckering. It will reach an average height of 1 m (3ft) with a little less spread, spreading slowly over time. It bears long red petioles with alternate, elongated and pointed, leathery leaves that have the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture. The flowering takes place from April to October, even in winter. Its alternate and elongated leaves have the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture. The flowering takes place from September to May, or longer depending on the climate. The inflorescences are large heads, carried at the terminal part of each branch. They measure 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in diameter. Mature and well-established plants are capable of producing up to ten heads per season. The flower buds resemble magnificent artichokes. The head opens, with tightly packed red-pink bracts that open onto a velvety white cone, as if powdered. The flowering attracts many pollinating insects and gives way to some seeds almost as large as walnuts, velvety. The thick roots of this plant also serve as a reserve organ. In case of fire, the protea is capable of regenerating from its roots, nourished by its own ashes.

The 'Little Prince' protea is a sensational plant that leaves no one indifferent. It will prefer to settle in coastal gardens spared by heavy frosts, in light, poor, not too chalky soil. Particularly suited to the Mediterranean climate, it thrives in poor, dry to arid soils. This compact variety will be magnificent planted in a dry rockery and of course in a pot on a patio, but always in an open position, in full sun. In an exotic garden, it can be associated with Viper's Bugloss, Puya, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia mellifera, Giant Fennel, Leucadendron, Melianthus major, palm trees (Trachicarpus fortunei, Sabal minor) or hybrid mulleins.