Protea repens
| Protea repens | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-6.5 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 8' |
| Width: | 8' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Protea repens (common name: sugar bush)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in individual pots in a greenhouse. See notes above on soil requirements. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood. July/August in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Requires a very well-drained light soil[2][3], preferably on the poor side[1], with plenty of humus and sand[2]. Requires a pH of 6.5 or lower[1]. Plants are very sensitive to nitrates and phosphates in the soil, these can prove toxic even at moderate levels[1]. Plants may also suffer from magnesium deficiency[1]. Requires a position with good air circulation[2][3], but sheltered from cold winds[1]. Dislikes warm sultry or windless days[2][3]. Requires full exposure to the sun[1].
Not very hardy in Britain, but they can be grown outdoors in selected areas. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -6°c, although prolonged frosts, or frosts combined with cold dry winds will cause damage[3]. They are best grown in a cool greenhouse, but plants can be placed outdoors in the summer[2].
A very ornamental plant[2]. A good bee plant, providing an abundance of nectar[4].
Dislikes root disturbance[2].
Range: S. Africa - Cape Province
Edibility: The nectar from the flowers is consumed directly or made into a delicious syrup[5].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Royal Horticultural Society. The Garden Volume 113. Royal Horticultural Society, 1988.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.