Believe it or not, a family of plants thrives on minimal care, often preferring neglect to kindness. These extraordinary plants, known for their stunning flowers and unique foliage, belong to the Proteaceae family. Popular members include Leucadendrons, Proteas, Leucospermum, Banksia, Grevillea, and Telopea.

Native to South Africa and Australia, Proteaceae plants require specific growing conditions to thrive in New Zealand. If you can provide the right environment, they will reward you with dazzling displays of colour and texture, both in the garden and as long-lasting cut flowers.

How to Grow Proteaceae Successfully

Position: Full sun is ideal, but some varieties prefer semi-shade. Ensure good air circulation to keep plants healthy.

Soil: Acidic, sandy, or free-draining topsoil is a must. Avoid heavy clay unless it is amended with gypsum and raised for drainage.

Fertiliser: Avoid phosphates! Proteaceae are sensitive to them and may suffer or die when exposed. Instead, choose a phosphate-free fertiliser if needed.

Mulch: Use only well-aged bark or compost free of phosphate fertilisers. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering: While drought-tolerant, ensure they don’t dry out completely in summer.

Proteaceae Varieties for Your Garden

Leucadendron

Features: Dramatic foliage and long-lasting flowers, ideal for cutting (up to three weeks).

Care: Loves windy positions and full sun. Needs excellent drainage; mounding the soil before planting helps.

Size: Groundcovers to shrubs up to 2.5m.

Hardiness: Frost hardy.

Protea

Features: Includes the iconic King Protea, with blooms up to 30cm wide. A bold statement for winter and spring.

Care: Requires raised planting sites in clay soils for drainage.

Hardiness: Frost hardy.

Leucospermum

Features: Stunning pincushion blooms in vibrant red, yellow, and orange. They are bird-attracting and perfect for modern cut arrangements.

Care: Thrives in full sun and free-draining soil. Wind-tolerant.

Hardiness: Tolerates mild frosts.

Telopea (Waratah)

Features: Spectacular bright flowers that attract birds.

Care: Prefers semi-shade and sandy, well-drained soil. Hates wind but can withstand frost to -7°C. Keep moist in summer.

Grevillea

Features: Available in almost every colour except blue, Grevilleas attract honey-eating birds to your garden.

Care: Many tolerate drought and strong winds. Some varieties are frost tender, so choose wisely for your region.

Size: Ranges from groundcovers to shrubs and small trees.

Banksia

Features: Recognisable by their candle-shaped flower spikes, Banksias are rich in nectar and attract pollinators.

Care: Plant in sunny, well-drained soil. Add gypsum to clay soils. Light pruning after flowering encourages new growth.

Hardiness: Drought-tolerant but frost-tender.

Why Choose Proteaceae?

Proteaceae plants bring your garden a unique blend of exotic beauty and practicality. Their low-maintenance nature and long-lasting blooms make them a favourite for gardeners who enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

Explore our range at your local garden centre to find the perfect Proteaceae for your space. Whether you’re looking for vibrant cut flowers or a hardy shrub to anchor your garden design, this family of plants has something to offer.