New Protea acquired

[Al in Kona]

I recently acquired this beautiful "Pincushion" type PROTEA and I'm assuming it is a Leucospermum hybrid of some sort. The tag on the plant read: PROTEA 'Blanche Ito'. The fully opened flowers measure 15cm (6 inches) wide and the plant itself from ground level up is now almost 1m (3ft.) tall.

I think my elevation will allow me to be able to grow this plant reasonably well. I'm going to try anyway. I know they cannot be grown successfully at the lower hotter locations in Hawaii. Anyone else growing these? I'd appreciate any information from anyone growing these plants or having some knowledge about them or advise, so that I'll have more success growing this exotically beautiful flower. Here are a few pics of it.

[bahia]

Yes it is definitely a Leucospermum, probably a hybrid with L. scoparium as one parent. As I only grow these with Californian/Mediterranean Climate experience, all I can say is that they need/prefer good air circulation and full sun, well drained soil, a good mulch to keep the root run cool, and avoid watering them with high soil temperature conditions as they are susceptible to root rots with warm/wet soils in combination. I am sure you already know not to use any fertilizer with phosphorus in the mix, and I generally only use cottonseed meal or alfalfa meal to fertilize/mulch with. If your soil is not on the acidic side, adding a bit of soil sulfur from time to time may also be useful. Light pruning after blooming to force bushiness is about all that is needed, avoid cutting larger thicker branches, best to tip pinch to direct growth while young. If you have windy conditions, it may need staking to avoid rocking the roots at this size, I also avoid spray irrigation and generally irrigate with drip only, but your generally breezy climate is probably not an issue for wetting the foliage.

[BS Man about Palms]

I believe Justin has a great collection that he NEVER waters!!!

looks great Al

[Justin]

Wow, that's awesome. It looks like it starts yellow, then turns red?

I have a bunch in Vista, and I'm sure they do quite well near Waimea (Parker Ranch area), hopefully you will have luck in Kona.

I never water mine - at least when established. In Hawaii, that is what would potentially be lethal - being hot and humid at the same time. In their native area, the wet season is usually in the winter.

Let us know how this goes!