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