PROTEA repens Red

A very attractive Protea with an erect and branching stem and narrow glossy green leaves 12.5 long. Cone-shaped flowers with creamy white petals and reddish bracts occur in terminal heads. The flower heads have a sticky exudate on the outside and a large amount of nectar on the inside, hence the name "Honey Pot Portea" A wonderful bird and bee attractant.

The Nectar was an important part of the early Cape settlers as a remedy for chest disorders. Nectar can be collected by shaking the flower heads into a bucket, it was then strained and boiled into a syrup known as "Bossiestroop" and mainly used in cough syrups.

Prefers a light sandy well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought-resistant but frost tender.

Grows over a wide area of the Cape Fynbos region of South Africa

Grow notes:

The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is a difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summer is hot and dry and your winter is moderate and wet the best time to sow is in autumn.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.

1. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering.
2. Sow seed 6mm deep. Vermiculite is a good medium to use to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature. 
3. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family 
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.