King protea Protea cynaroides
King protea (Protea cynaroides) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Fynbos of the south-western and southern Cape, South Africa. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan King protea in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
King protea at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Fynbos of the south-western and southern Cape, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is King protea toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
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 King protea
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
See King protea in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (16 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (3 plants)
Questions about King protea
- How far apart should I plant King protea?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
- Does King protea need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does King protea need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is King protea?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does King protea flower?
- From about April for 9–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is King protea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
- What grows well with King protea?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for King protea. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs acid, very well-drained, low-phosphorus soil; phosphorus fertiliser and Phytophthora root rot kill it. Resprouts from a woody base after fire.
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
- 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
- Common sugarbush Protea repens