Common sugarbush Protea repens
Common sugarbush (Protea repens) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western and Eastern Cape (widespread fynbos). It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Common sugarbush in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Common sugarbush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: nectar (boiled into "bossiestroop" syrup) |
| Native to | Western and Eastern Cape (widespread fynbos) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Common sugarbush toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common sugarbush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Common sugarbush in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (14 plants)
Questions about Common sugarbush
- How far apart should I plant Common sugarbush?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Common sugarbush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common sugarbush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common sugarbush?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Common sugarbush flower?
- From about October for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common sugarbush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Common sugarbush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common sugarbush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- Fynbos: acid, low-phosphorus, sandy soil; no manure or phosphate fertiliser; needs good air movement and dislikes humid summers.
- Cup-shaped heads brimming with nectar; South Africa's former national flower.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia