Climate; Marine West Coast, Mediterranean, Sub-tropical, Temperate Common Name; Thistle Protea 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; Green, 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 Perhaps not the most remarkable flower among Proteas, this novel species is still attractive and highly-prized by flower arrangers. The small shrubs are compact and evergreen, and grow to about 3' tall and wide. The 1 1/2" flowers are a delicate pale green in color, and may appear throughout the year on mature plants. The narrow leaves are tough and leathery, and are about 2" long and less than 1/4" wide, on attractive red stems. One of the easier species to grow in full sun, in a location with well-drained soil and good air movement, and will even tolerate some coastal wind. Once established, it can withstand drought and some cold. Hardy zones 9 and higher. All Proteas resent any root disturbance. 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