Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

king protea plant

The king protea plant, scientifically known as Protea cynaroides, is a spectacular flowering shrub known for its breathtaking blooms and unique foliage. This iconic South African native is not only a stunning addition to gardens across New Zealand but also a key player in coastal and low-water gardens. The king protea plant is renowned for its large, striking flowers characterized by pink or white petals that form a stunning cup shape, surrounded by leathery green leaves. Its bold presence is sure to capture the attention of any passerby, making it a favorite among gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike.

Protea cynaroides (King Protea)

5 from 1 customers

King Protea, Giant Protea

Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the King Protea or Giant Protea, features flowers with deep crimson bracts and a cream-coloured centre from autumn through until spring. It grows as a woody shrub, reaching approximately 1.2 m in height and 1.5 m in width. Protea cynaroides is a versatile plant that is often included in mixed plantings, added to coastal plantings, planted around pool areas, or grown anywhere the beauty of its large flowers can be enjoyed.

A Protea cynaroides (King Protea) flower.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    1.20 m
  • Spread:
    1.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Autumn, Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
protea-limelight-
Most Popular

Protea Limelight

Protea Limelight features large, lime-green flower heads with red-purple tips from autumn through spring. It grows to about 2 m tall and the same...

Protea obtusifolia flower.
Most Popular

Protea obtusifolia (Sugarbush Protea)

Protea obtusifolia produces large, red tinged flower heads from autumn through spring. It grows as a woody shrub to about 2 m tall and the same wide...

Protea 'Pink Ice' large pink flower and olive green foliage.
Most Popular

Protea Pink Ice

Protea 'Pink Ice' produces large, pink-tinged flower heads from autumn through spring. It grows as a woody shrub to about 2 m tall and the same wide...

Protea repens red flower amidst green foliage.
Most Popular

Protea repens

Protea repens produces large, red and cream coloured flower heads from autumn through spring. It grows as a woody shrub to about 2 m tall and the...

Protea scolymocephala light green flowers.
Most Popular

Protea scolymocephala

Protea scolymocephala produces cup shaped, soft, cream-green flowers flushed with red from autumn through spring. It grows as a woody shrub to about...

hebe-diosmifolia-3
Most Popular

Hebe diosmifolia (Veronica diosmifolia)

Hebe diosmifolia is a NZ native shrub that grows as a bushy and rounded shrub with small, bright green leaves held on short, slender stems. The...

From$18.41
Bright red foliage on Nandina 'Little Flick' in a garden.
Most Popular

Nandina Little Flick

Nandina 'Little Flick' is a dwarf variety of Nandina that grows as a compact, evergreen shrub. New growth from spring through autumn is bright red...

From$27.65
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' beautiful yellow flowers with green foliage.
Most Popular

Gardenia Golden Magic

Gardenia 'Golden Magic' is a unique evergreen shrub that produces highly fragrant white flowers which gradually turn golden yellow as they age...

From$26.33
Coprosma Gold Splash growing in a garden with vibrant foliage.
Most Popular

Coprosma Gold Splash

Coprosma Gold Splash, commonly known as Mirror Bush, carries large and glossy leaves that are boldly variegated green and gold. This evergreen...

From$21.05
Gardenia 'Veitchii' white flower against dark green foliage.
Most Popular

Gardenia Veitchii

Gardenia veitchii is a compact, evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant, creamy-white flowers, which bloom from spring to summer. Its...

From$26.33
Protea cynaroides (King Protea)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Protea or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Protea cynaroides (King Protea)

Growing Conditions for King Protea

When considering the king protea plant for your garden, it's essential to understand its growing conditions. Preferring well-drained, sandy or gravely soils, the king protea thrives in full sun. While it is drought-tolerant once established, an initial watering during dry spells can help your new plant settle in. This species does not tolerate frost well, so it's best suited for gardens in milder climates or as a container plant that can be brought indoors during colder months.

Landscape Uses

The king protea plant is perfect for creating a striking focal point in garden beds or landscaping designs. Its unique floral structure and vibrant color make it an excellent choice for exotic gardens, coastal landscapes, or even mixed borders alongside other stunning shrubs. Pair it with lower-growing plants or perennials to create visual interest. Consider integrating it with companions like Protea Pink Ice for contrasting colors and textures. The king protea plant also invites pollinators like bees and birds, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

Care Tips for King Protea

Caring for your king protea plant is relatively straightforward, especially if you follow a few essential tips. Regularly inspect for pests, and apply a light organic fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Pruning is generally not required, but lightly trimming spent flowers can help maintain a tidy appearance. Integrate complementary plants such as Protea Tsitsikamma or Protea Sylvia to create an enchanting layered garden space.

Combining with Other Plants

For stunning combinations, consider planting the king protea plant alongside other vibrant shrubs. Creating color palettes can enhance your garden's visual appeal. For instance, the smooth foliage of Rhododendron Coral Flare pairs beautifully with the king protea, while Coprosma Winter Wine introduces a rich contrast to your planting scheme. Additionally, merging textures with Camellia Asakura can result in a delightful and dynamic garden scene.

The king protea plant is more than just a shrub; it's a statement piece that brings warmth and vibrancy to any outdoor setting. Whether you choose to showcase it in isolation or as part of an elaborate garden design, its majestic presence will surely enchant all who encounter it. Make sure to explore the possibilities with complementary plants and elevate your gardening experience to new heights!


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Sure, Alchemilla mollis and Aesculus Briotii are crowd-pleasers, but Cherry Double Grafted Lapins and Dawson, Dianella 'Little Rev', and Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

415 Google reviews