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Posted

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.

post-90-036990400 1304798166_thumb.jpg

post-90-085307100 1304798193_thumb.jpg

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Hawaii Island (Big Island), leeward coast, 19 degrees N. latitude, south Kona mauka at approx. 380m (1,250 ft.) and about 1.6 km (1-mile) upslope from ocean.

 

No record of a hurricane passing over this island (yet!).  

Summer maximum rainfall - variable averaging 900-1150mm (35-45") - Perfect drainage on black volcanic rocky soil.  

Nice sunsets!

Posted

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.

Posted

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

looks great Al

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

Posted

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!

Resident of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, San Diego, CA and Pahoa, HI.  Former garden in Vista, CA.  Garden Photos

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