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Protea sp.
(pro-TEE-a)
Common Name: Protea, Pincushion Protea, Queen, etc.
Family: Proteaceae

Large, woody shrubs/trees that bear artichoke-like flowers. The characteristic cone-shaped flower heads have a dense central mass of hairy flowers, surrounded by brightly-colored bracts. These range from yellow to red, crimson, pink, orange, silver, or white, and flowering usually extends over several months Other members of the Proteaceae family with handling requirements similar to those of the genus Protea are: Leucospermum, commonly called pincushion, in sunburst shapes of yellow and orange, and occasionally pink; Banksia, spikelike,cylindrical clusters having a popsicle shape; and Leucodendron, grown for both flowers and foliage, smallest of the commercial types. Available in a wide variety of colors. Proteas were introduced to the floral industry in the 70's. In 1597 it is believed the first protea, a dried 'pink mink' specimen was brought to Holland by a seaman from is country of origin, South Africa. Today the protea is the national flower of South Africa. The pincushion 'protea' (right) is the common name of Leucospermum nutans which is also one of the most popular 'proteas'. Although a member of the Protea Family, it is not in the Genus Protea.
(To the right are two examples of the 'Pincushion Protea')
Consumer care
Recut stems and remove lower foliage. Place flowers in tepid preservative solution.

Retail handling
Preparation . Recut stems and remove any leaves that would be below solution level.

Hydration . Use clean warm water. For optimum hydration place flowers in a solution of citric acid with a pH of 3 to 3.5 for 2 to 3 hours.

Preservative . After hydration, transfer flowers to a fresh floral preservative solution.

Temperature. Refrigerate at 35 to 45 F (2 to 7C). Lower temperatures may cause injury

Drying . Proteas past there prime can be dried by hanging upside down in a dark dry area for three months.

Preservation . Fresh proteas can be preserved by replacing the preservative solution with a glycerine dilution.

Postproduction factors
Development at harvest . Harvest when fully open, but before bracts separate from flower head.

Lasting qualities. Protea lasts from 2 to 6 weeks, depending upon genus. Pincushion types have the shortest vase life. Flowers dry well, particularly protea, banksia and leucodendron.

Problems . Leaf blackening, which varies in severity with varieties, occurs in cut proteas. Use a preservative to reduce blackening.

Preservative . Use a floral preservative to enhance vase life, reduce leaf blackening and allow for higher shipping temperatures.
Hydration . For fast hydration, use clean, warm water adjusted to pH 3.5.

Storage. Proteas will keep for 1 week, dry, at 35 F (2C).

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