The protea family (Proteaceae) includes a wide range of ground covers, trees and shrubs, garden plants are often beautiful. While some species are sensitive to frost, are in all other respects remarkably resilient plants that often grow in situations where others would rapidly succumb. Poor soils and hot, dry spots, which seem almost to life are often ideal for Proteaceae. If all the plants you could say that thrive on neglect the proteas.
Proteas (theTerm is often used collectively as well as the same species) will be used are set of variables. In fact, the family moved to Proteus, a greek god can change his form called anything. It includes about 60 genera and 1400 species of plants in the southern hemisphere, which is most of South Africa and Australia with the rest of South America and many Pacific islands, including two species (Knight and Toroni Toru excelsa) from characteristics of New Zealand.
There is a hugeVariety of foliage among the proteas. It 'almost always evergreen, needle-like, but may, as grevilleas many long, narrow and serrated like the Dryandra formosa, or rounded and leathery like the leaves of Protea cynaroides. Some genera, particularly Leucadendron include species with bright leaves, whose intensity varies depending on the season. Leucadendron stems retain their color for weeks to cut and are an important part of the cut flower.
ProteaThe flowers are clusters of narrow tubes that are curved along often. This "spider" flowers are at their most simple in the two native species and some of grevilleas seen. In many cases, what appears to be the flower is actually a bract of brightly colored leaves for real flowers. The most striking example of the plate-sized flowers of Protea is cynaroides. The flowering period varies, and many grevilleas Protea flowers in winter, as they tend Leucospermumto bloom in summer. With careful selection, you can plant in bloom all year.
The flowers often contain large amounts of nectar that many birds enjoy. Some species have very sticky flowers, insects, especially bees an this side a little 'darker the flower seems to have no special purpose is the case.
South Africa and Australia Proteaceae tend their best in warm, dry and often thrive in coastal areas. Home,Early and late frosts often kill all premature, but the hardest of the samples. Species from South America tends to prefer something more robust and shock conditions. Embothrium particularly hard frosts and can be grown almost all over the country. But where winter temperatures regularly to -6 ° C or lower, most proteas require frost protection. Drop
Cultivation
Unlike a suitable climate, is the key to success with proteas foundation of the right soil conditions. The ProteaFamily is based primarily on mineral soils that drain very quickly and often adapted to low nutrient content. These soils are typically moderately acidic and are often particularly low in phosphates.
Good drainage is essential. Clay rich and heavy clay soils are not good protea. If you have a heavy soil, do not try with the addition of sand or gravel, as this is often the problem is to improve even worse, the soil binds with the sand and gravel and sets like concrete. Instead, add moreHumus. Proteas do not appreciate the rapid burst of nutrients a soil rich in humus so that should be used very poor in nutrients. Natural leaf mold and rotted pine needles work well. To avoid these materials compacting the straw in a poorly drained, contain about 50% of the fine sand, pebbles and combine the mixture with the existing terrain.
Most plants come from areas with low rainfall proteaceous, or where the rains are strictly seasonal. Many coastal states are plants, although mostSouth African genera include alpine and subalpine species. Knightia Embothrium from New Zealand and Chile are exceptions, usually occur far from the coast, in areas where rainfall is quite high and not seasonal. However, questions still excellent drainage.
Although proteas are very robust, and does not seem difficult to grow a few platitudes about its cultivation. Like most myths, this one some basis in reality, but maymisleading.
Myth 1: feeding proteas will kill them.
This is not right. Proteas need nutrients just like any other plant, but it is a bit 'more challenging than some. It is not a fertilizer, that the damage, but high levels of phosphate and intense bursts of nutrients that will lead to rapid growth. Avoid the most common garden fertilizer, the fresh manure, and all that with additional superphosphate. Because proteas tolerate poor soils, it is often easier, not for foodInstead of running the risk of damage, but you definitely better results if you apply a slow-release phosphate fertilizer low in late winter and midsummer. This keeps the plants grow slowly, but steadily growing each gland tends to weaken them.
Myth 2: proteas grow only near the coast.
It is not true. Proteaceous many plants come from within. They tolerate salt breezes, but there is no general preference for coastal conditions.
Myth 3: proteas like wind.
This is alsowrong. Proteaceous Plants do not tolerate wet foliage or high humidity for long periods and in areas that are often added to these conditions ventilation contribute to the onset of fungal diseases. However, most proteas brittle branches snap or split in high winds there are so there is no reason to believe that they prefer windy places.
Myth 4: proteas need a warm, sunny position.
Yes, most Proteaceae prefer full sun or close to something. But this does not necessarily meanhottest, most baked position found. Although they can survive in severe conditions, once established, extreme heat and drought will cause damage, particularly to young plants. Shelter from the hot sun to prolong the exhibition of flowers and, if drainage is good, occasional deep watering is recommended.
Myth 5: proteas are short-lived.
Some are and some are not. Older plants are usually long distance, before the end of their natural life, because they tend torather woody and untidy. You can usually count on a minimum of 8 years for Leucadendron and Leucospermum, and around 12 years for Protea. However, large species such as Grevillea Banksia integrifolia and robust, garden plants continue to be effective for several decades.
Plant
Plants sold in containers proteaceous more and are ready to plant immediately. However, the best time to plant depends on the climate. Fall or winter is best in temperate zones, asThis is when moisture requirements are the lowest, while spring is the preferred time if regular frosts are expected, as this allows young plants to withstand winter conditions before adopting.
Start by digging a hole at least twice the size of the container support system, this large amount of root development of loose soil is good .. Additional drainage may be added to the hole, if necessary, otherwise planting is just a matter of disposal of investmentfrom its container, loss of spiraling roots before entering the hole, then fill the hole and lift the plant in the right position. Large specimens require staking to prevent wind damage.
Reduce the use of flowers
Proteaceous many plants are excellent cut flowers lasting. Leucadendron are particularly common planted for the sole purpose of providing material for floral arrangements. Protea, Leucospermum, Banksia and flowers can be used to Serrure impressive sizeAgreements, while less dramatic and more flowers Grevillea Isopogon, the most delicate work are suitable.
Some flowers, dried flowers Protea well be bell-shaped, although they tend to disintegrate rather suddenly after a few months. Other genres such as Banksia and Leucadendron produce seed heads or cones that can be used in dried arrangements.
Circumcision
Most plants need from time to time proteaceous cutting and reorganization. This can improve their growth habit or removeold flowers or seed heads are dry and unpleasant.
How to cut is the usual question. This varies with the species, although usually recommended because it is only slightly decreased reshoot a general reluctance among proteas from untreated wood. The genera Banksia and Grevillea common to withstand tough cut, as Leucadendron, Telopea and mimetes, but the cut of Dryandra, Leucospermum, Serrure, Paranomus and most species of Protea, a light should be limitedannual stocking.
The best time to prune is usually immediately after flowering, if you go head to head some seeds to use as dried decorations mature. In areas where there is the possibility of frost damage, it is advisable to leave pruning in autumn and winter-flowering plants until spring.
Container growing
Some plants can be Proteaceae good container, but must be mixed with your choice of soil and fertilizer carefully. Potting mixes need to be very freeDrainage and often added coarse material, like gravel or pumice chips benefit. Bark mixes seem to work well, but some growers feel too much to produce ethylene, the plants can harm another person in the long run. Many commercial growers use soil-based mixtures, and generally prefer volcanic soils relatively poor and gritty.
Even plants with low nutrient requirements will eventually exhaust their potting mix, it is necessary to apply fertilizer occasionally. Use a mild liquid fertilizer orSpecial low-phosphate slow release pellets. Provided that you are not careful, the plants should respond well.
Reproduction
Proteas can be frustratingly difficult to propagate plants. Fresh seeds germinate is often only good for the seedlings to collapse after a few weeks. This is usually caused by a fungal disease that blackens the leaves and finally kills young seedlings. Regular fungicide applications are important. Fuck the young plants in a coarse, free draining, unfertilisedPotting mix once they have their first true leaves.
Selected varieties and forms must be propagated vegetatively. The usual method is semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and expected in the autumn. The success rate varies greatly, some varieties, such as Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset', very easy to hit, while many others, can be virtually impossible without professional equipment.
Pests and diseases
Growing up in the right conditions proteaceous plants are relatively free of pests and diseases,but they are attacked by something out of the ordinary. The most common problems are leaf roller caterpillars and scale insects, which can lead to sooty mold.
When growing proteas from seed, is undoubtedly lose about fungal diseases. This disease, which appears to be a kind of damping out to be, can sometimes also attack more mature plants. It looks much worse in excessively humid conditions or for long periods of high humidity. Good ventilationand to avoid overcrowding are effective safety devices and regular spraying with fungicides can control the problem.
Common genres
Many of these plants are not readily available at garden centers, even if the farmers specialize them as only the most common genera and are likely to take stock of others. All species and genera covered here are evergreen unless otherwise noted.
Aulax
This is a kind of South Africa's small and medium-sized shrubs. This kindand Leucadendron are the only dioecious (separate male and female plants), members of the Proteaceae. Seed of all three species of Aulax deleted, Pallas and Aulax Aulax umbellata, is available, but only Aulax gate is commonly planted. It grows to 1.5-2m x 1m and thin needles. In the spring of female plants produce red flowers edged with yellow, which develop into red seed cones. The kitten, as the male flowers are yellow, as are those of Pallas and Aulax Aulax umbellata, thefemale flowers, which are not very obvious. Aulax pallasi increases by more than 3 meters and about 1.5 Aulax umbellata. All are resistant to about -5 ° C and usually are taken from seed.
Banksia
A genus of about 60 Australian species, ranging in size from ground covers to medium-sized trees. It flowers mainly from late winter to late spring and most of the types of cylindrical cone-shaped inflorescences densely filamentous styles radiating from a central nucleus together. Creamyyellow to golden-yellow range of light is the predominant color, although some species such as Banksia ericifolia and Banksia praemorsa, golden-orange flowers and those of Banksia coccinea are red have. Most species have narrow serrated leaves that are medium to dark green above and silver-gray, fine needles on the lower sides, but Banksia ericifolia. Leaf size varies from very small to Grandis 50 cm long leaves Banksia. Resistance varies depending on the type, some are quite frostmild, but some will tolerate -10 ° C
Relatively few are seen in nurseries, but the seed of most species of Australia. Banksia ericifolia and Banksia integrifolia are the most popular products and are also the most difficult of the common species that can withstand both -10 ° C yet well established. There are some varieties or selected forms of Banksia in cultivation. Species can be grown from seed, and most also strike quite freely from semi-matureCuttings.
Dryandra
An Australian genus of about 60 species of shrubs ranging from about 1-4 m. Most are small, medium and dark green leaves that are often very long and narrow with deeply toothed edges. The rounded flower heads, which appear from the depths of winter, are usually light to bright yellow. The most common type Dryandra formosa, which grows to about 3 meters and is resistant to about -5 ° C, once established (most other species are less robust) is. Dryandras are excellentlong-lasting cut flowers and some of them dry thoroughly. They grow on very poor soils and usually respond poorly to most fertilizers. Raise from seed or semi-ripe cuttings, which are often difficult to beat.
Embothrium
The Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum) is a small tree about 5m x 2.5 m It is 100mm long, leathery, bright green leaves that something may be scattered over the old systems. Transformed in the mid to late spring the tree bright red-orange as the honeysuckle-liketubular flowers open - the flowering period is short, but spectacular. Two forms are grown: "longifolium 'and' lanceolatum ',' longifolium 'is the most common variety is a vigorous plant built you, all drought-resistant and robust than about -10 ° C. lanceolatum."' It is a robust grower with narrow leaves. It requires more moisture, but keeps it harder frosts down to -15 ° C with some protection. However, in very cold winters, can lose up to two thirds of their leaves. TotalEmbothrium requires more moisture than most Proteaceae good drainage, but it is still important. It can be grown from seed, but is usually propagated by semi-ripe cuttings.
Grevillea
With about 250 species, this is the largest of its kind proteaceous Australia. The most common garden species and cultivars are ground covers to shrubs and medium enterprises (up to 3m) with needle-leaves. However, some species are far greater. The silky oak (Grevillea robusta), which is often seen in the field of mildcan grow up to 20m and in agreement with most of the larger species, has large pinnate leaves. Grevillea banksii has similar foliage but only grows to about 3.5 mx 3m.
The denser foliage plants, especially Grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia juniperina and are often used as hedge plants. These plants grow at least 1.5 m high.
Grevillea flowers are often described as "spider flowers." Refers to the style of some species, most of the rays from the center like aSpider legs. Some species have flowers 'brush teeth', the styles are all on one side like the bristles of a toothbrush. The best known example of this type of flower, the common red-flowering cultivar 'Robin Hood' is.
Grevillea Many varieties are grown and are usually good garden conditions. Among the most popular "Jenkins" is (a severe form of flower with red flowers Grevillea rosmarinifolia), 'Robyn Gordon' (orange-red to red toothbrush flowers)× gaudichaudii (deep red), "Canterbury Austraflora Gold '(light yellow-gold) and many varieties of Poorinda. Grevilleas plants belong to the most common and most nurseries stock a good selection proteaceous.
Species and hybrids vary enormously in strength. Some will have little or no frost, but others, such as Grevillea rosmarinifolia tolerate frosts of -10 ° C or lower, all prefer full sun with good drainage. The species are easy to remove seeds andMost hybrids recorded strike quite freely from semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn.
Hakea
This usually includes about 130 Australian species, some of whom are highly educated. The most common is probably Hakea laurina, the Pincushion Hakea. When not in bloom, this could easily be mistaken for a small eucalyptus. And 'blue-green narrow, elongated sickle-shaped leaves and reddish-brown bark. 6m x grows by about 4m and mature trees have a habit a little 'cry.The name refers to the pincushion flowers, which are spherical, with numerous radiating styles. They appear in late autumn and early winter, opening cream and turning to orange and red as they age. This shrub is resistant to about -5 ° C was recovered well and is readily available in most well drained soils cultivated.
Other species are the most common Hakea salicifolia, Hakea Hakea sericea and prostrate. They are resistant to about -8 ° C or slightly lower and are easily grown in most soils. Hakeasalicifolia has narrow, willow-like leaves, spider, white flowers produced in spring. Grows to 5 feet high and will tolerate poor drainage. Hakea sericea Hakea prostrate and needles are thin and white or pink flowers in winter and early spring. It grows to about 3m x 2m. All members of this genus are usually taken from seed, but some can be grown from cuttings. Some, such as H. Franciscana, are weak growers that often cut better if grafted on differentvigorous rootstocks, such as Hakea salicifolia.
Isopogon
Sticks, which affects the shape of the flower stems and buds closed, is a name often used to anemonifolius Isopogon, but it can also be applied to the species as a whole. It is a generally grow 34 species of Australian small and medium-sized shrubs, many of them by 1-2m high and about as wide. They have a preference for the poor soils, but well drained and rapidly collapse if too wet or supercharged. Most species are narrowlance-shaped leaves about 75 mm long and some, like the leaves are finely chopped anemonifolius common Isopogon remember Marguerite daisy or anemone.
The flower heads that open in the spring and early summer are linked together by a central cone from which radiate numerous styles. Some species have short stiff styles but others are long and stringy. The colors of the flowers are mostly white, yellow or pink. The two species most commonly grown, and Isopogon anemonifolius Isopogonanethifolius are resistant to about -5 ° C, but many species, such as Isopogon cuneatus and seductively beautiful pink and yellow flowers Isopogon latifolius, are damaged at temperatures below -2 ° C. Isopogon types generally come from seed.
Knightia
The Rewa Rewa or New Zealand Honeysuckle (Knight excelsa) is the best of two new species are known proteaceous Zealand. In nature, a tree can become tall and narrow, up to 25m high and will be one of the fewproteaceous plants for the wood, which is marked very attractive were collected. In the gardens is rather reserved and rarely more than 8m x 3.5 m Rewa Rewa has semi-glossy, dark green, bronze-green, narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are tough and leathery oblong. Is produced in summer honeysuckle-like tubular flowers that develop from buds covered in a reddish-brown pubescence. As the flowers open the tomentum covered sepals and petals, the curl back to form a mass of congestedthe center of the flower. The flowers, the smell can be unpleasant, are followed by conspicuous brown, velvety pods. Rewa Rewa is easily grown in moist, well drained soil in sun or partial shade and is resistant to about -5 ° C or slightly lower, once established. It can be grown in any coastal area if protected when young. New Zealand honeysuckle is usually raised from seed and garden centers often increased storage plants ready grown.
Leucadendron
Species of this genus are the most commonlygrowth of the South African Proteaceae and many are classified cut to the lasting quality of their floral bracts time. Most are medium sized shrubs 1 to 2.5 m high. However, one of the best known species, the silver tree (Leucadendron argenteum) growing to 10 m high and less widely grown Leucadendron eucalyptifolium may reach 5m.
Many species and varieties, but probably the most commonly planted is 'Safari Sunset'. This is a hybrid between Leucadendron and laureolumSalignum Leucadendron and is fairly typical of the genre. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that up to 100mm long. Some species, such as L. argenteum have leaves tomentose but 'Safari Sunset' is not. The foliage densely covers facing up the narrow, upright branches and develops deep red tints at the flowering tops. Deep red leaf bracts enclose the flower cones. As the insignificant flowers near maturity, the bracts are stained intensely. 'Safari Sunset' has red bracts but otherscream, yellow, pink or orange hues develop. "Wilson's Wonder '(yellow and red-orange),' Maui Sunset '(cream, yellow and red) and' Rewa Gold '(yellow) are among the most spectacular. Leucadendron generally develop their best colors of the mid to late winter, but 'fool' a rose, cream and green sport of 'Safari Sunset "color throughout the year.
Species and hybrids vary widely in hardness, but most tolerate frosts of -3 ° C, at least, ifhave good drainage and the humidity is not excessive. 'Safari Sunset' is resistant to about -8 ° C and the most numerous and salignum Leucadendron Leucadendron hybrid laureolum are so durable. Leucadendron North Island thrive in general in all but the coldest of key areas and can, with varying success in all coastal areas of the South Island grew.
Leucadendron is difficult to propagate. Scraps of adequate strength at the beginning of autumn are usually taken toable to hit the easiest, but the gardeners propagate without special equipment problems, and even if the seed germinates well, are inclined to damp off. Garden centers often shares a good selection of plants.
Leucospermum
A South African genus of about 50 species, many of which are medium to large shrubs that grow by about 1.5-3m in height. Some, such as Leucospermum reflexum, have strong vertical growth habit, but most, including the commonly cultivated species, Leucospermumcordifolium, are dense and bushy. Both species have tomentose greyish-green leaves that are formed usually broadly oval, often with little red head rag. The leaves of Leucospermum reflexum are smaller and grayer than that of Leucospermum cordifolium. Leucospermum reflexum can grow up to 3 m × 3 m, but Leucospermum cordifolium is usually about 1.5 mx 1.5 m.
The flowers are variously identified as Catherine wheels, pincushions and sky rockets described, referring to thenumerous radiating styles. These are often curved, creating a vacuum effect. The heads of Leucospermum cordifolium are quite spherical, while the hanging of Leucospermum reflexum have styles at the base of the flower. The flowers usually appear in late spring and continue for about two months. They are attractive when they die, but would often unpleasant happen.
Varieties Leucospermum cordifolium Leucospermum garden and are resistant, occasional frosts of about-5 ° C, but suffer from the winter wet or damp conditions, which often die back. Good drainage is very important. The cuttings are taken in early autumn, the most likely to strike, but without the right equipment, which can be difficult and often the seed germinates well only to be killed by fungal diseases. Gritty and well-drained soil, regular use of fungicides and water enough to cover the plants up the keys to success. The orange-flowered 'Harry Chittick' is the workmost of them with pre-school and is one that works very well.
Mimetes
The South African genus of 11 species, of which only one has grown a lot. Mimetes cucullatus has oblong leaves 40 mm long, with small lobes directed at the tips, densely covering the branches above the stairs. The small white flowers in the leaf bracts to change color to a bright red as the buds mature closed. Mimetes can flower all year round, but usually it is better lateSpring when new growth appears, as well as red. Mimetes cucullatus grows to about 1.5 m × 1.5 m and is resistant up to about -3 ° C. Prefers moist, well drained and not very tolerant of drought. This species is usually taken from seed.
Paranomus
The most common types of 18 species of the genus, is a Paranomus reflexus undemanding shrub 1.5 × 1.8 m with bright yellow bottle brush like flowers in winter and spring. The foliage is anemone-like and very finelyCut the stems of flowers are small diamond-shaped leaves under the flowers. And 'easily grown in any well-drained soil in full sun. Even if the plant is resistant to about -5 ° C, the flowers are damaged by frost of -2 ° C. It is usually taken from seed.
Persoon
An Australian genus of about 75 species of shrubs, usually under 2 m high, and some very small. Known as geebungs, is by far the best known species, the pine-leaf Geebung (Persoon pinifolia), an OrientalAustralia, which is one of the larger species, capable of reaching 3 m high. He has a habit crying, needle-like leaves late and small yellow flowers. Most geebungs is about 2 to 5 ° C. tolerate frost.
Protea
Protea is a genus of about 80 species, which is limited in southern Africa and concentrated around the Cape of Good Hope. The species range in size from less than 50 cm high to over 4m. Most commonly grown proteas are small and medium-sized enterprises of shrubs from 1 to 2.5 m highArea.
The best known species is Protea neriifolia. It has narrow leaves up to 150 mm in length, with a fine tomentum of young people are covered. Conducted in the fall, winter and spring, vertical, 125 mm long x 75 mm wide goblet-shaped flowers at the ends of branches. They consist of a woolly central cones are surrounded by cascading together, tilted upward facing, petal-like, deep reddish-pink bracts with a border of hair blacks. Many forms with different colors and hair grew bract tip.Several other species such as Protea laurifolia Protea magnificent and have similar flowers.
The central cone, often with many styles incurving, and all species of Protea, but the arrangement of the bracts varies. Many of them are arranged in a star or star-shaped. The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is the best known of these species. The flowers can be up to 300 mm in diameter. The flowers of the King Protea, face up, but others, such as green-yellow flowered Proteasulphurea have flowers down.
The foliage is also variable. It can be needle-like, as in Protea nana, lanceolate, oblong or rounded. It may be green-gray silver-green or pale, depending on its type, and may or may not ruffled.
Similarly, the resistance varies considerably. Most species tolerate at least 3 ° C with low humidity and good drainage, but many are considerably tougher. Protea neriifolia resist -5 ° C and is often Protea grandicepssurvive at -10 ° C, when well established. Proteas do well over most of the North Island to the south and many species have grown up in Christchurch with a little winter protection.
Protea species are often raised and germinating seeds, but seedlings can be difficult to keep alive. Hybrids and cultivars must be vegetatively propagated. The usual method is semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and fall provided. Specialist breeder stocks many types and varieties, while the gardenCenters rarely have anything but the most common plants.
Serrure
Blushing Bride (Serrure Florida) is very popular with florists because its Nigella-like bracts are very delicate white paper and will last as cut flowers. The bracts, which are surrounded by finely cut lacy leaves, are produced freely in winter and spring. Blushing Bride can be difficult to grow, because not only is an early frost (tolerates only occasional exposure to -2 ° C), must also be in full sunand absolutely perfect drainage. Belongs to a genus 44 species from South Africa, of which only other species commonly grown rosy Serrure. It is a densely green 70 cm x 90cm bush with small pink bracts and grow something harder and easier, in each case as Serrure florida. Serrure species should be obtained from seeds.
Stenocarpus
The Queensland Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuata) is a large tree (12m x 8m) that produces a magnificent display of orangered flowers in summer. And 'big, glossy, dark green leaves are deeply lobed. The flowers are tubular and are held in groups that have spread across flat-speak as a central hub, then the tree Firewheel name. And 'resistance to about -4 ° C, once established, is very tender when young and grows best in moist soil in full sun and well drained. Stenocarpus salignus is a guy with long narrow leaves and flowers cream. And 'smaller and more robust Stenocarpus sinuata.Stenocarpus drawn generally from seed.
Telopea
Native of Australia, the Waratah generally includes only four species. The New South Wales Waratah (Telopea speciosissima), which is the most widely cultivated, has long, finely serrated leaves that are up to 125 mm long with small notches or lobes at the tips. It develops into a large shrub or small tree up to 5m x 5m. The flowers are produced in spring and carried on the tips of the branches, are extraordinarily large, brightred, and consists of numerous incurving surrounded by red foliage bracts article. Several varieties, such as 'Forest Fire' semi-dwarf (2m x 2m) are quite available. The 'Victorian Waratah' (Telopea oreades) is a plant with similar leaves and flowers a little lighter. Both species and cultivars are resistant as -8 ° C.
Waratahs prefer moist well-drained soil in full sun and once established require little care. But many in the dyingPlant initial period. This may be essential to establish the mycorrhizal otherwise. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with minute plant roots and are essential for the absorption of nutrients. It has been suggested that ingestion of soil from around an established and Waratah put around plants to help this new organizational difficulties. Waratahs can be raised from seed or semi-ripe cuttings, but are difficult to obtain. Some success has been achieved with tissueCulture and that's how some of the new varieties produced.
Thoron
The only species of this genus is the smallest of New Zealand proteaceous are two known species. Previously listed as Persoon Toru, Toru Toroni as it is now known. A small bushy tree that can grow approximately 9m x 5m, is usually much smaller in the gardens. The narrow, lance-shaped olive-green to bronze leaves are about 100mm in length, but can grow to over 150 mm on trees in sheltered positions. The buffcolored sky flowers appear in late winter and early spring, are held in groups and the development of the golden brown felted buds. And 'only grown in any moist, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade and is resistant to about -8 ° C once established. Thoron Toru is a plant quite spectacular, but its flowers are pleasantly scented and honey is interesting because it is one of our most unusual inhabitants. These species can be grown from cuttings, but are usuallyhard to beat, is the preferred method of sperm.
