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Shrubs

Protea repens

Cape honey flower

An erect, evergreen shrub to 3m, with leathery leaves. From spring to summer it produces flowerheads with whitish bracts with pink tips

Other common names
sugar bush

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Proteaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Protea are evergreen shrubs or trees, with leathery, simple, entire leaves and dense terminal clusters of tiny 4-petalled flowers, surrounded by large, petal-like bracts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape)

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How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a mix of 1 part loam with added charcoal and 3 parts equal measures of grit (or perlite) and peat substitute, in full light. Water moderately in spring and summer. Apply a liquid fertiliser of magnesium sulphate and urea, both at half recommended strength, once in spring and again in early autumn. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

See pruning group 1See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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