Protea repens

This stunning protea is most commonly know as Sugarbush in English and Suikerbos in Afrikaans. Heard of the song "Suikerbos Ek Wil Jou He"? The story goes that the Sugarbush protea was the inspiration for this old Afrikaans folk song composed by Fred Michel in 1930.  Sugarbush protea was South Africa's unofficial national flower for around 200 years, until it was displaced when the King Protea was declared the official national flower in 1976.

The stunning flowers produce abundant nectar, drawing sugarbirds and insects to the garden. The sweet nectar was collected and boiled down to a thick ruby red syrup called 'bossiestroop', this was used as a sugar substitute, medicinally for coughs and chest ailments, and for treating diabetes. This 'medicine' was a staple in medicine chests from the late 1700s for just over a century, alas, thereafter the skill of making the syrup was lost.

One of the hardiest, easy to grow varieties that are very adaptable to differing soil conditions with a preference for poor, well-draining, slightly acidic soil, just don't disturb its roots. Cold tolerant to -4deg C, this shrub/small tree thrives in warmer climates.

Special planting requirements: Protea seed need a smoke treatment to germinate successfully. This simulates the natural bushfires that occur stimulating the seed to grow. You can use smoke paper which can be purchased or you can make your own smoke water. To do this, slowly burn leaves and twigs, preferably from indigenous plants, allowing them smoulder gently. Collect the ashes and soak them in water for 24 hours. Strain the liquid through a sieve and soak your seeds for 24 hours before planting directly where they are to grow.

Best planted in Autumn through winter to allow the root system to be well established in climates with hot dry summers and milder winters, and in early spring in colder climates to allow the Protea bush to become more hardy before the cold sets in. Expect beautiful blooms from late spring into early summer.

Standard packet contains approx. 5 seeds.

There is no petite packet available.