Grow From Cuttings
Starting Protea from cuttings.
Protea can also be propagated from vegetative cuttings. Vegetative propagation comes down to two things – timing and technique. The timing is critical, but the techniques are actually fairly simple. All hybrid cultivars of Proteaceae are propagated by means of cuttings. These include ‘Pink Ice’ and ‘Brenda’ in the Protea family, ‘Sunset Safari’ and ‘Jester’ in the Leucadendron family as well as the ‘Kula Sunrise’ and ‘Royal Pride’ pincushion varieties. Propagation from cuttings is essential to maintain the unique characteristics of the parent material with regard to genotype and health status within each variety. The Maui Agricultural Research Center (MARC) in Hawaii has done remarkable research in the field of hybridizing Protea. Commercial Protea growers have their own methods and specialized greenhouses to recreate a favorable growing environment. I want to cover the basics of cutting propagation aimed at the hobby gardener or the information enthusiasts.
There are five rudimentary steps when propagating Protea from cuttings:
1. Selecting the Mother Stock
2. Taking the cutting
3. Rooting compounds
4. Growing medium
5. Taking care of your cuttings
Popular Varieties
Protea cynaroides (King Protea)
Protea cynaroides a.k.a. the King Protea is the national flower of South Africa. This spectacular flower is the most often associated with the word ‘Protea’. The flower of the King Protea can get as large as 12 inches in diameter. On the outside it has many stiff, pointed, narrow bracts (petals), which give it the distinctive ‘Protea’ look. The bottom half of the petals start out light colored, which turns into bright pink or velvet red on the top half. Inside the flower cup is a mass of white stamen about 1-2 inches long which all bend towards the center. The King Protea is suitable for low-frost climates and grows in a wide range of soils and conditions.
Pink Ice’ Protea – (Protea compacta x Protea susannae hybrid)
One of the easiest to grow in a garden setting is the ‘Pink Ice’ variety. This is a hybrid cultivar that is hardy and showy. Bright pink flowers with a silvery white fringed bract are produced abundantly during the flowering season (late winter into spring, in some areas starting as early as late summer). This variety is disease resistant and tolerant of all soils including heavy clay. Do not pamper this plant unnecessarily. It could be said that once established; the ‘Pink Ice’ Protea will THRIVE ON NEGLECT.
Pincusshions - Leucospernum
This is one of the best known members of the Protea family. This species is widely cultivated both as a garden shrub and for cut flower. Highly ornamental blooms decorate the shrubs for as long as 6 to 8 weeks. The flowers range from small flower heads to large blooms in colors ranging from yellow to pink to deep orange or crimson. They are available from spring to early summer. Although they do not ship well, they are spectacular in bouquets.
Sunset Safari - Leucadendron
This shrub produces long, deep red, straight flower stems that can be harvested year-round. The long-lasting foliage compliments most flower arrangements. The stunning red and burgundy colors make a statement of sophistication and royalty.
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