Proteas and leucadendrons flower from late autumn and through the winter months. Photo / Supplied
Having fresh flowers in the house has long been a desirable habit for many.
As gardens have got smaller and many have less time the use of flowers has changed from "high work" perennials such as carnations, gladioli and dahlias to long-lasting flowering shrubs.
Leucadendrons and proteas are two winter flowering plants that fit this criteria. They produce flowers that last for a long time, both on the bush and when picked and put inside in a vase.
Both of these species flower from late autumn and through the winter months, a time when it can be harder to find cheerful colour in the garden.
As plants in the garden, they are both "no fuss" and easy care. Originating from South Africa, they have a natural affiliation for dry and well-drained soils as well as a hot, sunny position in the garden. They handle light frosts, wind and coastal conditions so make great subjects for gardens in and around Whanganui.
Leucadendrons generally grow between 1m and 2.5m in height and width. The flowers look like they are an extension of the stem with a kind of cone sitting down below the leaf type bracts that is not seen unless the plant is viewed close up. As the cold of winter sets in, the flowers become more obvious with the leaves intensifying in colour to put on a real show. The colours vary from creamy yellows to orange-yellow to intense reds.
One of the most well-known and widely grown leucadendron varieties is Safari Sunset. It has boldly coloured red bracts and is a strong plant, excellent for cut flower production and as a garden specimen.
It is not widely known but this outstanding leucadendron that is now distributed worldwide was bred here in Whanganui in a nursery on Durie Hill in the 1960s. It was part of a breeding programme by Jean and Wallace Stevens and their nephew Ian Bell.
The Stevens' garden was so well-known at the time that the Queen Mother requested a visit be included in her 1966 NZ tour and is reported to have left "with an armful of slips and cuttings".
This historic property is currently for sale and is the project of a group, Blooms on Bastia, seeking to crowdfund and purchase the property to preserve and develop it for community use. For more information look up Back the Blooms on Bastia Facebook page.
Proteas are another plant ideal for producing a long-lasting flower display and an excellent cut flower. Proteas are sometimes referred to as "sugar flowers" because of the high nectar levels the flowers can produce. As a result, they bring birdlife, such as tui, into the garden. The flowers of proteas are among some of the larger in regular home garden cultivated plants.
The protea is a flower that is recognised around the world. The king protea is the national flower of South Africa, the Proteas is the name given to South Africa's national cricket team and an emblem of the king protea is displayed alongside the springbok on the jerseys, caps and blazers of their national rugby team.
In terms of cultivation, they have a unique root system referred to as proteoid roots. These form a dense cluster 2-5cm thick at the soil surface, mainly remaining within the drip line of the plant.
Research has shown these roots enhance nutrient uptake. These roots will not form well if there is high nutrient availability or too much moisture. The proteoid roots are enhanced by organic matter and soil bacteria. Avoid root disturbance and exercise restraint in the use of fertilisers.
The use of organic matter will largely remove the need for fertilisers. It has been noted that proteace grown in fertile soils need more regular watering during dry periods. (https://www.actahort.org/books/185/185_17.htm)
Both proteas and leucadendrons dislike phosphorus. This means you should not feed them like you would other plants – as the kind gesture can often be fatal.
They are best fertilised with low phosphate fertiliser such as Osmocote for New Zealand natives. If they are to be grown in pots, a specialised low phosphate potting mix is necessary. These are both readily available at specialist garden centres.
Some eye-catching varieties include:
Protea cynaroides Madiba (king protea): A select form of the king protea. An attractive plant with an erect growth habit, producing deep pink-red flowerheads on long stems from autumn to summer that open to large dinner plate-sized blooms. A smaller growing protea variety to 1.5m in size.
Protea Margaret Watling: Produces attractive lime green flowers with black tips and a maroon centre during the winter months. Excellent for picking. Forms a rounded plant about 1.5m high by 1.5m wide.
Protea Jazz: A striking new hybrid protea with deep, clear pink flowers with a very faint, white beard. Flowering occurs from autumn to spring. Flowers are very useful for cut flower displays. Grows about 1.5 x 1.5m.
Protea Snowcrest: A selected form noted for its silky pink coloured flowers which have a heavy white beard. Growth is tidy to 2m tall.
• Gareth Carter is general manager of Springvale Garden Centre.