South African Garden and Home – September 2019

96 SEPTEMBER 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

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NEW PROTEAS

TEXT

CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

PHOTOGRAPHS

CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

AND

SUPPLIED

The ancient Proteaceae family has a huge diversity

of form and spectacular flowers. Here are some of

the best new releases

Protea

POWER

M

embers of the protea

family are not only valued

for their striking shapes,

they also grow naturally

in nutrient-poor soils and require

little additional fertilising. Most make

exceptional cut flowers, good hedging

and many are suitable for containers.

Generally quite social, they grow in

close proximity to one another, forming

a dense cover that protects them from

prevailing winds, prevents compaction,

cools the soil and reduces evaporation.

1. TELOPEA ‘SHADY
   LADY’ RED AND WHITE
   Native to Australia, this beautiful, tall-
   growing hybrid (Telopea speciosissima x
   oreades) produces vibrant red or pure
   white blooms in spring. It likes dappled
   shade and cooler, more protected spots.
   It’s perfect for low-maintenance, low-
   water-use gardens and as a feature shrub
   in beds and large containers.

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