Climate; Marine West Coast, Mediterranean, Sub-tropical, Temperate
Common Name; Sugar Bush
Indoor/Outdoor; Outdoor
Growth Habit; Bush / Shrub
Soil Type; Well-drained, Clay, Loam, Sand
Growth Stage; Seedling
Genus; Protea
Foliage; Evergreen
Features; Deer-Resistant, Evergreen, Flowering, Excellent Cut Flowers
Safety; Child Safe, Pet Safe
Room; Outdoors Only
Color; White, Yellow, Red, Pink
USDA Hardiness Zone (°F); 9 (20 to 30 °F)
Season of Interest; Year Around
Soil pH; Lightly Acidic to Neutral
Plant Form; Seedling in Tube
Type; Flowering Shrub, South African Shrubs, Proteas, Sugar Bushes
Watering; Medium
Growth Rate; Medium
Sunlight; Full Sun
Cultivating Difficulty; Difficult!
Country/Region of Manufacture; United States

A handsome and colorful species from South Africa that occurs along a narrow strip along the coastline, where it is found in alkaline soils derived from limestone outcrops. Forming rounded shrubs to small trees with distinguished, dark green foliage with round tips, this is a moderately easy species to grow, and makes an excellent addition to the garden. The flower heads have shiny outer bracts that vary from pink to red, and are exceptionally attractive, and are produced from autumn to late winter. An excellent species for cut-flowers, Protea obtusifolia is hardy in USDA zones 9 and above, in full sun and well-drained soil, in positions with excellent air movement. Not suitable for growing in pots.

The genus name honors the Greek Sea God, Proteus, who had the power to assume a great diversity of shapes - a reference to the diversity within this wonderful genus.

This offer is for one, small, first year seedling, in a 2" x 7" tube pot. Ready for transplanting into a gallon pot (for a season), or directly into the garden (preferred). The new year's growth is starting to show, or is already underway. The Seedlings shipped will vary in size , but are mostly 3 to 6" tall. Detailed growing instructions are included. As the plants are grown unprotected outdoors, some of the leaves may show a few blemishes or nibbles, and the leaves may take on some maroon tints in the winter and early spring.

NOTE: Images Shown are of Mature Plants