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 Safety; Child Safe, Pet Safe Room; Outdoors Only Color; Pink, Red, Yellow, Cream 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; Very Difficult! Country/Region of Manufacture; United States Rarely seen in cultivation in the US, this beautiful species should be in every Protea collection. The large flower heads have spatulate, red to pink bracts that splay out wide, exposing the mass of purple awns (flowers). The shrubs are easily distinguished, with their greyish-green to purplish-green, cordate foliage, which may be up to 6" long and 2 1/2" wide. The shrubs appreciate some occasional shaping. Naturally occurring in winter rainfall region of South Africa, Protea eximia is found growing from 200 to 1,600 meters above sea level, and is widespread in vastly different habitats, so is tolerant of different soils and water conditions. Hardy in zones 9 to 10, Protea eximia requires full sun and free-draining soil. Will tolerate wind and coastal conditions quite well. Deer resistant! Makes excellent cut flowers. Not suitable for growing in pots. This is good! 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