98 SEPTEMBER 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za
SOURCESFindproteasatArnelia
arnelia.co.zaandMadibrimadibri.co.za- LEUCADENDRON
‘JOLLY JOKER’
This variegated leucadendron is a cross
between L. laureolum and L. salignum
and is a blaze of colour in autumn and
winter. Growing 2m high and 1,5m
wide, it’s suitable for hedging. It can
also be planted in a container. - PROTEA ‘LADY DI’
This cross between P. magnifica
and P. compacta boasts large pink
blooms from early winter into spring,
growing 2m tall, with a spread of 1,5m.
Mature plants are drought hardy and
can take temperatures as low as -5°C.
It’s also good for low-maintenance,
water-wise gardens.
GROWING NEEDS
Proteashailingfromwinter-rainfall
areasneedgoodaircirculation,cool
nights,anddon’tlikehighhumidityin
summer,whilesummer-rainfallspecies
aremoretolerant.
Mostsummer-rainfallspecieswill
takemoderatefrost;thosefromwinter-
rainfallareaslightfrost(to-2°C)for
shortperiods,onlyoncetheplantsare
fullyestablished.Coveryoungplantsat
nightwithfrostblankets.
Mostspeciesneedwell-drained
soilandthriveinacidicsoils.When
planting,don’taddbonemealorany
formofphosphorous.
Proteaceae surface roots are very
sensitive to disturbance, so don’t pullout large weeds by hand, cut them off
just below soil level with sharp secateurs.
A thick layer of mulch will help to
suppressweedgrowth.
Mulching also keeps the soil cool,
minimises evaporation and conditions
the soil. Acid compost or decayed pine
needlesmakeagoodmulch.
Once fully established, proteas are
usually drought tolerant, but during
their first two summers, need a
thorough soaking two or three times a
week,dependingontheweather.
Pruning improves the quality
and quantity of flowers, resulting in
a well-shaped plant and helps reduce
disease. Remove diseased and dead
branches at their base. Cut back
branches (especially those which have
flowered)toencourageregrowth.
All members of this family are
sensitive to excess phosphorus and
nitrogen so be very careful about adding
fertilisers and composts. Organic
fertilisers made from seaweed and
fish encourage the development of
feeder roots. Talborne organic fertiliser
5:1:5 (16) for proteas releases nutrients
slowly and contains all the necessary
macro and micro nutrients, but must
be applied sparingly. Don’t use manure,
mushroom compost or bonemeal.PROTEACEAE ATAGLANCE
Position:Fullsun.
Plant:Infrost-proneareas,plantinsummerandinwinter
rainfallareasonlyoncetherainshavestarted.
Water:Onceestablished,watersparingly.
Size:Thisvariesaccordingtothespecies.
Frosttolerance:Cantolerateshortperiodsoflightfrost.
Caution:Don’tusefertiliserthatcontainsphosphorus.6
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