Fine Planting Is Fynbos!

Heritage plants like proteas, pincushions, blushing brides and cone bushes are common sights in garden centres nowadays, so there’s no excuse for not planting some of your own.

In natural conditions the members of the Proteaceae family grow in poor, well-draining soil with a low, slightly acidic pH of between 5 and 6. The plants prefer hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, but many will grow well in summer-rainfall areas too.

Soil

Bad drainage is a recipe for disaster, although some species and cultivars are more tolerant of heavy soil than others. Prepare the soil well by mixing in well-decomposed compost that is low in phosphates. Simply filling the planting hole with compost is not a good idea as this only forms a reservoir for water to stand in, which will increase the chances of root rot. Slightly raised beds or mounding of heavy soil will improve drainage, and so will adding a little gypsum to break up the clay when preparing a planting place. Some outlets stock a specialised protea soil mix that can be used if there is any doubt about your garden soil’s suitability. You can also grow all of these plants in large containers.

Position

All fynbos plants need full sun to flower. If proteas, blushing brides (Serruria) and pincushions (Leucospermum) are planted in the shade or semi-shade they will struggle to flower, and cone bushes (Leucadendron) will not produce their brilliantly coloured foliage.

Watering