Protea Flower Facts
Protea flowers are unique and strange, with a primitive look. Because of their many varieties, they are named after Proteus, the Greek god who changed his appearance whenever he wanted to. Fresh proteas can be used in a flower arrangement or hung upside down to dry. Their unusual appearance has created a demand for these flowers, and growers ship them all over the world. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Description
-
There are around 1,400 different varieties of protea flowers. It is an ancient flower that scientists have discovered is around 300 million years old. Scientists have not determined whether there were more varieties in the past.
Native Origin
-
Proteas grow naturally in the coastal mountain regions of South Africa and Australia. A species of protea called banksia grows in Australia, while in South America, there are around 329 different species.
-
Care
-
Caring for protea is fairly easy. They do not require too much water, but they do need the water to reach down past their roots. In your garden, water them slowly with a drip system so the water has time to filter down. They generally do not require fertilizer, although a nitrogen fertilizer like ammonium sulfate can be used; a fertilizer containing phosphorus will kill the plants. To make the plants larger, snip or pinch the top during the first couple of years until the plant is mature, then leave it alone.
Planting
-
When planting protea, choose a sunny location where the soil drains well and the air can circulate. Dig a large hole at least three times as large and deep as the container. Fill one-third of the hole with fresh soil or decomposed granite and water. Then place the plant into the hole and fill with soil. Tamp down the soil around the base of the plant and water once more. Set up a regular schedule of watering, approximately once a week during the cooler months and twice a week during the summer.
Reproduction
-
Protea flowers are self-pollinating. They have both the male and female reproductive organs on the same flower. The flower is closed until it is disturbed by insects and animals. When disturbed, the flower will open and the style with the stigma--the female part--will become straight. As it does this, the stigma picks up pollen from the stamens--the male parts.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit beautiful protea flower image by Derek Miller from Fotolia.com
