focal · easy · premium
Protea
Protea · aka king protea (P. cynaroides — the largest)
The protea is a flower with a personality — 300 million years of evolution, a South African native, and the design language of modern desert and tropical floristry. The king protea (P. cynaroides) reaches 25 cm across and functions as an entire arrangement in one stem. Dries perfectly; used widely in preserved wall art.
At a glance
| Family | Proteaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa; commercially grown South Africa, Australia, California, Hawaii |
| Peak season | May to October (Southern Hemisphere winter) |
| Availability | all year (imported) |
| Stem length | 40–80 cm |
| Vase life | 10–21 days |
| Colors | pink, cream, burgundy, green |
| Price tier | premium |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal, split woody stem 2 cm. Deep water is fine.
Care in the vase
- •Prehistoric, architectural look — every stem is a sculptural piece
- •Dries beautifully — usable in preserved arrangements
- •Woody stem: split with pruners for water uptake
- •Long vase life — 2–3 weeks common
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismdiversity, transformation, resilience
Occasionseditorial, modern wedding, large installations
Substitutespincushion, banksia
architecturaleditorialdriedlong-lasting
