What are Protea?
Protea are flowers within the Proteaceae family, which is more than 80 million years old. This makes them one of the oldest flower families on Earth. In fact, they overlapped with dinosaurs for at least 20 million years. With more than 1,660 known species, Proteaceae are prolific in their native South Africa and grow exclusively in dry, coastal Mediterranean climates.
Western societies were introduced to this ancient family of flowering plants in 1735 when Carl Linnaeus named Protea after the Greek God Proteus, due to their wide variety of forms. Though limited to specific environmental requirements including dry weather, warm sun and sandy, low nutrient soils, Protea are now cultivated in over 20 countries across the globe.
Protea are masters at absorbing nitrogen, phosphorous and water from soil, which means they do not like humidity or fertilizers. While this makes Protea a great option for a sustainable flower farm, it also makes them difficult to keep alive in the wrong climate. Protea are naturally found in dry and rocky with highly porous soil. Like most Californians, they also love a salty sea breeze.
King Protea (Protea cynaroides) has been South Africa’s national flower since 1976. It’s name indeed fits its form, as each flower can be between 4-10 inches in diameter - just a few inches smaller than a dinner plate. King Protea has over 80 garden varieties and is highly adaptive to wildfires, keeping spare buds underground. The King is now well know as a centerpiece in wedding bouquets.
Why Choose Protea?
Born in South Africa
Protea thrive in the rugged landscapes of South Africa's mountains. They evolved over millions of years to withstand the harshest conditions. Their wild beauty and strength shine in every bouquet, bringing nature's best work into your home.
Long Vase Life
Protea stay vibrant up to three times longer than soft-petal flowers like roses. Our flowers are always picked and sent fresh, so you'll get weeks of stunning color and texture (and compliments). You can enjoy it much, much longer than a standard bouquet.
Protea Dry Beautifully
Dried protea bouquets bring lasting natural beauty with sculptural forms and rich textures that retain their stunning appearance for years. No water, no maintenance—just effortless elegance in a forever arrangement that never fades.
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