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Home , Aulax, Banksia, Banksia baueri, Banksia ericifolia, Banksia grandis, Banksia media

HAWAII AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION UNIVERSITY OF RESEARCH BULLETIN 147 APRIL 1970 CONTENTS Page . : What They Are 5 Descriptions of Selected Proteas -______8 Proteas Suggested for Landscape U se ------12 Proteas Suggested for Cut ~______16 Propagation of Proteas 17 Seedage ______17 Cuttings 17 Gr aft ing .. .______18 Cultivation of Proteas 19 Soil 19 Planting .______19 Pruning ______20 l\I.[ar}(eting 2() J:)emGlIld 2() Price -_. _ 21 Economics of Production - -_ 21 Potential Outlets -_ __ _ 22 Sources of and 22 References ______23 Proteas under Evaluation at Kula 24

PLANT NAMES All scientific names are based upon the 1969/1970 Index Seminum of the National Botanic Gardens of South . Synonyms are those currently being used commercially. Readers working with older plant listings may find selected former names for proteas on the back cover of this publication.

THE AUTHORS Donald P. Watson is Specialist in , Hawaii Cooperative Exten­ sion Service,and Professor of Horticulture, College of Tropical Agriculture, University of Hawaii. Philip E. Parvin is Associate Horticulturist and Superin­ tendent, l\I.[aui Branch Station, Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, Kula, l\I.[aui.

PHOTO CREDIT Grateful acknowledgment is made to South African Airways for the color photography which they have contributed to this publication. CULTURE OF ORNAMENTAL PROTEAS

by DONALD P. WATSON and PHILIP E. PARVIN

This project was made possible by the McInerny Foundation in Honolulu. SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

King () .

4 CULTURE OF ORNAMENTAL PROTEAS

Donald P. Watson and Philip E. Parvin

Proteas: What They Are evidence of the great variation within "Protea" refers to any member of the . the family' , which includes Silky ( robusta) or over 1500 species of , and "oka-kilika," used widely in the Islands herbs from the southern hemisphere, for reforestation; (Macada­ especially and . mia integrifolia), introduced in 1890 All members of South A f ric a n and planted for its edible nuts; fire­ Proteaceae are woody evergreens, wheel ( sinuatus), usually with entire, leathery, and often with scarlet, wheel-like flowers, rarely hairy ; and are not indigenous to seen but a spectacular ornamental; and any other parts of the world. kahiliflower () or Proteas are outstanding because. of "ha'iku" are some members of the their style of -growth and the architec­ family that have been grown in Ha­ tural quality of their flowers. wall. Typifying the great variation found The Protea is characterized by among the genera in this family, the large , often brightly colored, sur­ term "protea" was derived from the rounding a composite . These sea-god Proteus who could readily bracts may be smooth or pubescent change into any form he chose. The (covered with velvety hair). Some spe- small individual flowers of the large cies have bracts tipped with dark "fur" macadamia tree, the huge flowers of and are called "bearded." The pre­ the king protea, or the -, -, or dominate color in this genus is amber-colored flowers of the ground­ with occasional albinos. Other colors hugging, creeping pincushion provide are and more rarely greens.

5 Protea, the national flower of SO~_lth possibilities of economic importance Africa, refers especially to Protea for these plants. She stated: cynaroides, the giant or king protea "The fact that the South African which has flowers up to 1 foot in dia­ Proteaceae have lately been grown meter. under a variety of conditions has , sugarbush, with its once again focused the eyes of rosy-tipped, sticky bracts forming an the world on them. Already an urn, cordifolium, nod­ anxious competition to be first in ding pincushion, with pink, yellow or the world market has set in. I anl dome-shaped flowers, and Leu­ not only judging from reports in cadendron argenteum, silver tree, with the Press and froln enquiries made its glistening, grayish-blue foliage, are through the various embassies but other popular proteas from Africa. also from numerous letters re­ ceived in recent months from Potential for Hawaii places as far apart as Hongkong, Many years ago, few people would Chicago, Towoomba, Dresden and have thought that Hawaii-grown mac­ Nairobi, not to nlention places in adamia nuts would whet the appetite regions such as , of gourmets all around the world. Mac­ , California and adamia, however, is but one highly Southern , where one would esteemed member of the family Protea­ expect interest because of a simi­ ceae. Flowering proteas are so greatly larity in clhnate. It would appear admired in South Africa that they are that there is again a great demand used as emblems on the coins and for new and uncomInon garden stamps. In Australia the plants. Proteas are outstandingly (), a magnificent effective both as garden shrubs crimson peony-like bloom, is the state and as cutblooms. They flower for flower of . long periods, often for more than half -~ year and the flowers carry Through the dissemination of and last well." and information, the National Botanic Gardens of South Africa, at Kirsten­ SOlne proteas for landscape usage bosch, has been largely instrumental in are being grown comnlercially in South bringing into cultivation the ornamen­ Africa, Australia, New Zealand, a few tal menlbers of Proteaceae. near Nice in the South of France, in While the ornamental members of Corsica, the Scilly Isles and Cornwall the family have been somewhat neg­ in England. Some are also being pro­ lected even in their native habitat until duced in Florida and California. recently, ten years ago, Marie Vogts, A limited number of small growers president of the South African Associa­ in Australia and New Zealand produce tion for the Advancement of Science, from nursery-grown plants. observed that there were astounding These are marketed locally at relative-

6 Nodding pincushion (Leucospermum cordifolium) growing at Kula, MauL ly low prices and a few are exported very few special locations in Florida, for special exhibits and special orders. proteas are also being tried. I t is not unusual to see passengers car­ As with the macadamia, however, rying boxes of proteas in the air ter­ there are locations in Hawaii, especial­ minals in South Africa. Many of the ly above 2000 feet elevation, ideally cut flowers are gathered from native similar in soil and climatic conditions plantings. Lack of uniformity, consis­ to those where proteas grow in their tent supply, and good quality reduce native habitat. Based on tests to date, it the export market for South Africa. is apparent that Hawaii-grown proteas Protea export is further limited by could rival those produced anywhere plant inspection and high airfreight else in the world. Due to their exotic rates to markets in Europe, Japan, and appeal and excellent shipping and North America. keeping qualities, further research and I t is estimated that there will be development of cultural and crop man­ more than 20 acres of proteas in pro­ agement practices is underway. duction for cut flowers in California by Proteas are not exactly easy plants to the early 1970's. This acreage will be manage. Their growth response is un­ limited to three or four species, and predictable. They grow naturally in there have already been instances of well-drained acid soils of granite origin frost damage In locations already on hillsides. Some are productive in planted. Sales are reported brisk and sandy soils, others in deep, rich soil; demand is good whenever these flowers but all of them apparently thrive become available in the market. In a where there is plenty of cool fresh

7 breeze. They cannot tolerate close hu­ have potential for landscape plants and mid conditions or poor drainage and for cut flower production. Experiments overwatering. are being conducted to determine the , In 1965, Dr. David Williams intro­ shelf life of the crop and the best duced 50 species of proteas and be­ means of propagation, pruning, fer­ gan evaluating them at Kula, the Maui tilizing and harvesting. Branch of the Hawaii Agricultural Ex­ This publication is intended to sup­ periment Station. Since that time, the ply prospective growers with informa­ pace of this research has been in­ tion presently available. It must be creased. looked upon, however, as a source of The present research program at the preliminary direction which may need Maui Branch Station is evaluating and some modification as the experiments screening as many of the ornamental progress and as more specific data be­ proteas as possible, selecting those that come available.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SELECTED PROTEAS From 1500 species, the following 23 Cutleaf ( grandis) have been selected for description. The largest of the , reaching These include the most successful spe­ 40 feet in height with 12-inch leaves, cies currently being grown in Hawaii, cut to the midrib in triangular seg­ as well as the most promising from ments, yellowish green above and sil­ other areas. very below; the large cones of yellow­ Honeycone (Banksia collinia) ish-green flowers are 12 inches long Bears showy cylindrical heads of and .conspicuously placed. deep -colored flowers with pur­ Shooting star () plish-brown, protruding s tam ens; Cylindrical heads of bright brown­ leaves are narrow toothed, dark green ish-red flowers, 4 to 6 inches long; with silvery undersides, borne on slen­ borne on ends of ascending reddish der grayish branches; grows to 10 feet branches; leaves narrow, 6 inches long, as a dense . shiny above, with velvety texture be­ neath, forming a neat-growing shrub Heatherleaf () to 8 feet tall. One of the most popular banksias; erect flower cones to 8 inches in length Goldcone () may appear from pale yellow, through Bears elongated cones of deep-yellow the more commonly found golden am­ to reddish-orange flowers; leaves nar­ ber shades, to a deep orange brown; row, dull green; and the plant resembles flowers last 2 weeks in water. a compact form of B. ericifolia, grows Leaves are narrow, needle-like, Y2 only 4 to 6 feet tall. inch long, deep green with silvery re­ Silver tree ( argenteum) verse, densely covering a bush from 6 The silver foliage of this tree in the to 10 feet in height. bright sunlight is difficult to describe,

8 Combflower (Leucospermum catherinae) . Rose-spoon protea ().

Bauer banksii (). more conspicuous than the small, yel­ The plant grows to 6 feet in height low, male -bearing flowers or the and spreads out to 6 feet in diameter. small, silvery, female cones; flowers Being a prolific bloomer, it is covered appear on separate plants and are not with flowers for 3 to 4 months, often always present. yielding more than 100 flowers per The plant, with upright branches, is plant. prized primarily for its foliage which is Twin flame (Leucospermum cune~­ covered with leaves overlayed with sil­ forme) very hairs that reflect light. Twin flowers about 2 inches in Combflower (Leucospermum catheri­ length open as light-orange pincushions nae) and as they mature turn darker in col­ Yellow, pin-wheel-shaped flowers on or; long, dark-green, leathery leaves a plant 6 feet in height and 6 feet in are deeply notched across the tip and diameter, with gray-green foliage; closely cover the stem. flowers freely on the tips of the The plant is a most attractive broad branches. shrub because of the changing color of It appears to grow better under cul­ its large crop of showy flowers; grows tivation, is cold resistant, and does not to a height of about 5 feet. thrive in hot, dry exposures. Tangerine pincushion ( Leucospermuln lineare) Cripplewood (Leucospermum conocar­ Derives its name from the color and podendron) form of its flower; a somewhat flat­ Conical yellow is simi­ tened pincushion that is borne on long, 1ar to some chrysanthemums; in the straight stems with foliage that resem­ early stages the flower is somewhat bles short needles. buried by large, dark-green leaves Plant grows to a height of 3 feet and which later open to expose flowers 3 is especially attractive because of its inches in vvid tho needle-like dark foliage that points up­ Plant gro\vs to a height of 10 feet ward throughout the length of the with decidp'~ljy tree-like branching stem. habit. '--l ne gnarled nature of the Ribbon pincushion (Leucospermum branches gives it the name of "crip­ muirii) plewood" or "kreupclhaut". The name "ribbon" is descriptive of Nodding pincushion (Leucospermum the curled, yellow flower with red strip cordifolium) in the center of the inflorescence. Yel­ I ts attractive dome-shaped inflores­ low orange in their overall color and cence of rosy-orange styles is borne on about 2 inches in diameter, these flow­ a sturdy stem with large dark-green ers are conspicuously extended beyond leaves. The flower color varies from the gray-green leaves. orange yellow to darker rosy orange The plant reaches a height of 4 to 5 and the cut flowers, often 4 inches in feet but the overall effect is dainty and diameter, last for 3 to 4 weeks. less sturdy than some other species.

10 Tangerine pincushion (Leucospermum lineare).

Creeping pincushion (Leucospermum Grafted specimens seem to display prostratum) greater vigor than seedling plants. The small, yellow flowers that are Wooly beard (Protea barbigera) less than 2 inches in diameter darken Inflorescence is up to 8 inches in diam­ to red as they mature. Consequently, eter with soft-pink to deep-rose color­ yellow-, red- and amber-colored flow­ ing; cone-like fuzz in the center of the ers are present at the same time and inflorescence rises to a dark-brown or conspicuous against the gray-green black peak. Island-grown flowers have foliage. This plant is a good ground not displayed good opening quality. cover for well-drained soil in full sun­ The plant grows to 4 feet in height light. spreading to 6 feet. Pineleaf (Protea aristata) King protea (Protea cynaroides) The brown-colored bud opens into a The flowers often reach 12 inches in deep pink cone-shaped flowerhead that diameter. Pink to crimson bracts sur­ is borne on the tips of graceful round a silver-gray mound of individ­ branches that are covered with leaves ual flowers. Its resemblance to an resembling pine needles. By many, this suggests its name "" deep-pink flower is thought to be one (artichoke). The plant apparently re­ of the most attractive of the protease sponds well to heavy pruning and ex- It is a slow-growing plant that is also hibits great variation in flower color attractive because of the soft, green, with some forms pale pink and others needle-like foliage. deep red.

11 PROTEAS SUGGESTED FOR LANDSCAPE USE

Successfully grown Heatherleaf Banksia Flame Goldtips King protea Banksia ericifolia Leucadendron eucalyptifolium Protea cynaroides Oakleaf Banksia Brownring Goldtip Rose-spoon protea Leucadendron stokoei Protea eximia Goldcone Goldtips Princess protea Banksia spinulosa Feathery red Combflower Baby protea Leucospermum catherinae Kahiliflower Cripplewood Long-bud protea Grevillea banksii Leucospermum conocarpodendron Protea longiflora Formosan conebush Nodding pincushion Bredasdorp sugarbush formosus Leucospermum cordifolium Suntips Twin flame pincushion Gleaming protea Leucadendron adscendens Leucospermum 'cuneiforme Protea pulchera Silver tree Ribbon pincushion Sugarbush Leucadendron argenteu.m Leucospermum muirii Protea repens Twinleaf Bush Rocket pincushion Leucadendron comosum Leucospermum reflexum

Promising but not proven Banksia baueri Banksia occidentalis Leucospermum lineare Leucospermum tottum Protea amplexicaulis Protea minor Protea nerifolia Telo pe~ speciosissima . Pink mink (Protea nerifolia) in South Africa.

Apparently unsuccessful A ulax cneorifolia Leucadendron daphnoides Insignificant flowers, thin, open Unattractive, brown flowers. growth. ' lauriana Poor growth; brown cones. W eak~. open growth. Leucadendron tinctum Poor growth; brown cones. Stunted, slow growth; unattrac­ Leucospermum bolusii tive flowers. Dirty-white flowers. Paranomous reflexus Unsightly flowers. Open, sprawly growth.

12 Cripplewood (Leucosperm.um conocarpodendron) at Kula, Maui.

Nodding pincushion (Leucospermum cordifolium) and silver tree () in their native habitat. 13 Rarely does the plant grow to more Princess protea (Protea grandiceps) than 5 feet in height, but its character­ This pale-pink to salmon-pink and istic leaves, with an oval or pointed red inflorescence somewhat resembles blade, often grow up to 3 inches across. a single peony; bracts are edged with a Red margins on some leaves and char­ fringe of silky reddish-brown and treuse margins on others make this foli­ white hairs that surround arched white age most characteristic. or yellow pistils. The inflorescence is Rose-spoon protea (Protea eximia) often 4 inches in diameter and 6 inches One of the most reliable, large-flow­ in length. ered species, with a rich"red center, but The plant grows into a good form 5 with much variation in the intensity of feet in height. The foliage closely sur­ the color of the flowers. Bracts are rounds the inflorescence and is a spoon shaped; flowers reach a diameter of oval grayish-green leaves with red or of 5 inches and are characterized by brown margins. the spoon-like bracts protruding out­ ward and upward. Pink mink (Protea nerifolia) The silver-green leaves are broadly The name aptly describes the beard oval a..nd wrapp"ed thickly around up­ of black or purplish, fur, tipping the right branches. topmost bracts of pink. Several colors The plant grows 6 to 8 feet in are found, from a deep rose pink to height, is dense in appearance, and light salmon, and this species is noted flowers profusely. for its profuse blooming habit.

Long-leaved protea (Protea longi/olia). The plant grows to 10 feet in height however, it can be shaped and used ef­ and spreads to 6 feet, with "oleander­ fectively for landscape purposes. like" leaves covered with silvery hairs Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) giving a velvety texture. The state flower of New South Sugarbush (Protea repens) Wales is a most spectacular deep-red The unopened bud of this flower is inflorescence 6 to 8 inches in diameter long, pointed and honey gold at the tip with the typical incurving habit of the with the points of the bracts a translu­ pincushion leucospermum. Leathery cent rosy pink. These flower buds, 5 bracts of the same color surround the inches in length, are attractive before flower and as it opens make ita spec­ they open. tacular flowering shrub. The plant is large and well-shaped, The tree itself, under best conditions, growing to 9 feet in height and 6 feet will grow to be 20 feet in height. It re­ in diameter. Distinctive long, strap­ sponds well to heavy pruning and shaped gray-green leaves complete the heavy feeding and makes a good spec­ picture of an attractive shrub. imen plant.

Prince () A long, narrow flower bud formed Princess protea (Protea grandicepsJ. from layers of creamy yellow to bright pink with distinctive brown tufts on the tip. I ts wide, green leaves, 4Y2 inches long and 2 inches wide with a gray­ green color and leathery texture, cling to the stem and often hide part of the flower. It makes a vigorous shrub but rarely grows more than 3 feet in height.

Blushing bride ( florida) The dainty, creamy-white flowers, often with a pink and pale-green tinge, are as attractive in bud as when fully open. Several flowers on one stem are ideal for flower arrangement. Finely divided, fern-like leaves make soft and attractive background for the flower cluster. The shrub itself barely grows to more than 4 feet in height and is somewhat open and ungainly in appearance. With proper pruning,

15 PROTEAS SUGGESTED FOR CUT FLOWERS

Successfully grown Combflower Leucospermum catherinae Cripplewood Leucospermum conocarpodendron Nodding pincushion Leucospermum cordifalium Rocket pincushion Leucospermum reflexum Wooly beard Protea barbigera Protea pink King protea Rose-spoon protea (Protea eximia). Protea cynaroides Rose-spoon protea Sugarbush Protea eximia Protea repens Baby protea Blushing bride Protea lacticolor hybrid Gleaming protea Waratah Protea pulchra Telopea speciosissima

Promising but not proven Leucospermum lineare Leucospermum vestitum Banksia collinia Protea aristata Banksia ericifolia Protea grandiceps Banksia grandis Protea harmeri Protea lacticolor hybrid Banksia robur Protea laurifolia Protea minor Banksia spinulosa Protea nerifolia Banksia victorial Protea speciosa Leucospermum eUipticum Protea stokoei

Apparendy unsatisfactory Leucadendron species Leucospermum bolusii Although cones keep well for dried Small, tight clusters of rather un- arrangements, most cones lack the attractive dirty-white flowers. sales appeal of a good cut flower. Protea longiflora Poor keeping quality-hairs coI­ lapse in center of flower.

16 PROPAGATION OF PROTEAS

Seedage elevations, spring planting is also effec­ In their native habitat, seeds germi­ tive. nate readily in the soil where they fall Sow seeds in a mixture of one-third from the mother plant. Freshly har­ sand, one-third peat or other organic vested seed has a higher matter, and one-third vermiculite with percentage than seed that has been a trace of iron chelate. Place fine gra­ stored for several months. vel in the lower third of individual Controlled self- has re­ containers. Treat the seed with damp­ vealed self-incompatibility in protea ing-off fungicide and place it on and some , but self­ the surface of a well-firmed soil mix­ compatibility in other leucospermums ture, covering it with a layer of perlite and Serruria florida has been ob­ or vermiculite. served. I t has been assumed by inves­ It is important to locate seed beds in tigators in Africa that the apparent the open in the full sun where there is poor germination often may be attrib­ good air movement. Never allow the uted to the lack of an effective meth­ seed beds to dry out during germina­ od of sorting out sound seeds. tion, but avoid hot, close, humid condi­ "Immature" seed may be collected tions. To decrease water loss and in­ as early as 4 to 5 months after flower­ sure a constant and even supply of ing, but should be planted at once as moisture around the seed, light shading this "soft" seed may lose its viability of the seed bed is suggested until a few rapidly. weeks after germination. Usually, fully ripened seed is har­ Germination varies according to the vested from old flower heads about the genera and the species, but anything time the next crop of flowers appears. from 3 weeks to 3 months and more is This seed holds its viability for 3 years. typical. Trials at Kula have indicated that P. barbigera germinated in 10 days, mature seed of many species will P. eximia started in 19 days, P. cyna­ germinate more rapidly and with a roides in 22 days, and L. cordifolium higher percentage of germination if it in 28 days. has been soaked in concentrated sulfu­ While much emphasis in the past has ric acid for 5 minutes before being been placed on the possible presence of thoroughly washed and sown in a well­ an inhibiting factor reducing germina­ drained soil mixture. Of the 18 species tion and regular watering in such a tested, only P. longijlora and P. lepido­ way that this factor is washed through carpodendron showed higher percent and leached out of the soil, it now germination when untreated. seems to be a discredited hypothesis. Best results have been obtained by Cuttings sowing seed in the fall of the year, as Since there is considerable variation cooler weather approaches. At higher especially in flower color and habit of

17 growth among plants of the genera Leucospermum, Leucadendron and Protea, vegetative propagation of the most desirable seedlings becomes essen­ tial for the production of a uniform commercial planting. Cuttings may be rooted in a misthouse \vhere a maximum of sun­ light is available and where the mois­ ture is reduced during periods of low or no sunlight. Good air circulation is essential at all times. The leaves are re­ moved from the bottom half of the in­ dividual cutting. While the size of cuttings will vary among the species, 6- to 8-inch termi­ nal sections of new growth as soon as it becomes brittle seem to be the most Nodding pincushion (Leucospermunt cordi/olium') satisfactory material for good rooting. rooted cutting. Use of rooting powders before sticking the cuttings into a mixture of 1 part Two to three months are required coarse soil, 1 part peat, and 1 part cin­ for rooting after which cuttings can be ders is recommended. potted individually in plastic sleeves or other containers where they can be held under mist in the open air until King protea (Protea cynaroides) rooted cutting. they are well rooted and ready for transplanting into the field. Experi­ m-ental work in New Zealand and South Africa indicates that most orna­ mental proteas can be propagated by cuttings and that it takes about 6 months to produce a plant that is ready to be marketed. In , South Africa, con­ siderable increase in the rate of growth of plants has been obtained by grafting P. aristata on P. compacta, and P. grandiceps on P. compacta. Using a whip and tongue graft of woody stems about ~ to 12 inch in diameter gave satisfactory results. CULTIVATION OF PROTEAS Soil to their permanent location. Nursery Most proteas thrive In a well­ field-grown plants are usually root drained, acid soil. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 pruned a month or two before digging is ideal and they do best in windy 10­ for transplanting. After transplanting, cations or where there is excellent air growth is often slow. New, fine roots drainage. Still, humid air with plants are extremely sensitive and may re­ rooted in a poorly drained, heavy soil spond to the presence of mycorrhiza in is a lethal combination. the soil. Planting distances will vary accord­ ing to the species and the pruning prac­ Planting tices. Usually planting on 5.:. to 6-foot Planting holes should be at least 2 centers is satisfactory. An average feet in diameter and 2 feet deep. length of time from seed to the produc­ Prepare the planting site well. Re­ tion of the first flowers is from 2 to 3 move the first 12 inches of soil, break years. up the bottom layer in the hole, and in­ Th~ sudden death of a plant at any corporate some organic matter. The age is common and most prevalent at hole should then be filled with the the end of a dry season or after over­ original top soil enriched with organIc watering. A belief that proteas are dif­ . ficult to cultivate seems to have existed In some parts of the world, nursery for some time. Some scientists have plants are produced in plastic sleeves said that there are toxins in the seeds and allowed to become 8 to 12 inches or in the root system, a naturally pro­ In height before they are transplanted duced poison that may inhibit ger-

Protea nursery at the National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch, South Africa. mination or suddenly kill a large spec­ shrub. With a few exceptions, they do imen. It is likely that this theory is not not produce quantities of blooms at well founded and that the sudden one time, and many plants are inclined death of a formerly healthy plant can to become leggy and misshapen with be attributed to a serious outbreak of age. The old blooms dry up and persist soil-borne fungi, especially in poorly with a certain amount of drying and drained soil. discoloration of the foliage during the While no experimental data is avail­ summer, making many of the plants able on the fertilizer requirements, ob­ more suitable for an informal planting. servations indicate that proteas re­ All proteas must be pruned to pro­ spond to a standard fertilizer program. duce vigorous growth. All young Thorough watering weekly and the use plants, with the exception of silver of mulches to conserve moisture is rec­ tree, should have their leading tips ommended as long as the plants are be­ pinched out when they are transplant­ ing grown in a well-drained location. ed. Regular pruning must start when In Southern California, applications of the plant is small and be continued as cottonseed meal around the base of the an annual routine. Heavy pruning plant are deemed beneficial. prevents leggy shrubs and thus will yield larger numbers of better quality flowers. Pruning For commercial flower production, Proteas as a group do not fit into the plants should be disbudded to a single generally accepted idea of a garden flower per stem.

MARKETING

Demand One of the major obstacles to the Proteas are among the longest last­ successful introduction of a new cut ing cut flowers. l~hey also dry well, flower is generating a demand for the lasting indefinitely in dried arrange­ product. Traditionally, the majority of ments. In preliminary tests in Honolu­ the wholesale florists in the United lu, pincushions lasted 12 days in wa­ States stock only what the retail florist ter, and 27 days in a preservative solu­ demands, and are understandably wary tion. Keeping quality studies showed about investing in unknown materials. similar results in excess of 3 weeks in The best way to acquaint the retail preservative solutions for P. barbigera, florist with a new product is through P. compacta and P. cynaroides. his trade press, and through the ever­ Proteas also ship well over long dis­ popular floral desi~n schools held as tances. Shipments from the West part of regional, state and national con­ to key cities over the United States ventions. have arrived in excellent condition. Since the first proteas in the U nited

20 States were grown commercially in A second category of proteas, includ­ California over 6 years ago, there have ing pink mink (P. nerifolia), rose­ been several attempts to introduce spoon protea (P. eximia) and sugar­ these flowers to the retail florists. Pro­ bush (P. repens), averages approxi­ teas have been featured at florists' con­ mately 60 to 75 cents per flower, ventions for several years. In 1968, F.G.B. West Coast. Due to the scarcity the Southern California Floral Associa­ and limited demand for the king pro­ tion sponsored a floral designer who tea, retailers on the West Coast pay as traveled the summer design school cir­ much as $3 per bloom for P. cynaroides. cuit, using and publicizing protease In Economics of Production all cases, retail florists are reportedly It is of little value to potential pro­ impressed by the "architectural quali­ ducers to note mainland prices when ty" of the flowers and the textures and considering the economic feasibility for colors, but insist upon longer stem proteas in Hawaii, unless local costs of length. production are known. Is $3 per bloom Price enough to pay for the cost of flowering Retailers on the West Coast of the a king protea? How many blossoms United States pay from 25 to 50 cents can be expected per plant per year; per per stem for pincushions, depending square foot of ground? The techniques upon stem length and quality. Mid­ of crop production, management, and western and Eastern florists pay up to costs are an important part of research double that price when shipping costs projects currently underway. For ex­ and commissions are included. ample, at Kula, the average number of

Packing pincushion (Leucospermum cordi/olium) for the retail florist. pincushions cut per plant in December fit nicely into an early market on the was 42, in January 37 and in February Mainland. It must be remembered, 45. Growers must determine their costs however, that Southern California ex­ in order to see if commercial produc­ perienced unusually bad weather in tion is justified. January and February 1969. Potential Outlets Certainly Hawaii must consider for The two most widely spread proteas its major exports other more exotic in production on the Mainland today species and a "mixed pack" of assorted are P. cynaroides and L. cordi/olia-m. proteas that would be easier for main­ Due to the weight, export of the king land retailers to handle. protea in competition with California Perhaps one of the best ways to mar­ is questionable. The pincuthion is an­ ket small quantities of proteas is to mix other matter. In the spring of 1969, them in with exotic flower "packs". If Southern California pincushions came retail outlets in Hawaii handled pro­ into production from 90 to 100 days teas, visitors would associate them with after the first cut in Maui. If this dif­ other tropical flowers that are shipped ference persists, L. cordi/olium might in quantity.

SOURCES OF SEEDS AND PLANTS*

G. W. ALTHOFER NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS Box 5 OF SOUTH AFRICA Dripstone, N.S.W., Australia Kirstenbosch Newlands, C.P., South Africa PETER B. DOW P. O. Box 696 ALBERT PRATT Gisborne, New Zealand Raleigh Street Waitara, New Z,ealand DUNCAN AND DAVIES Box 340 GEORGE RAINEY New Plymouth, New Zealand 137 Seabrook Avenue New Lynne, Aukland 7 W. J. and E. R. MIDDELMANN New Zealand Honingklip Nurseries c/o Barosma, Barmbeck Avenue MAX WILCOX Newlands, Cape, South Africa P. O. Box 23 Kumneu, New Zealand

*Reference to a seed or plant source does not imply approval or recommendation by the College of Tropical Agriculture, University of Hawaii, to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

22 REFERENCES

BLOMBERY, A. M. 1967. A Guide to Native Australian Plants. Angus and Robertson, 107 Elizabeth Street, , Australia. ELIOVSON, SIMA. 1967. Proteas for Pleasure. Howard Timmins Co., , South Africa. HARRISON, RICHMOND E. 1967. Trees and Shrubs for the Southern Hemisphere. A. H. and A. W. Reed, 182 Wakefield Street, Wellington, New Zealand. HORN, W. 1962. Breeding Research on South African Plants: II. Fertility of Proteaceae. Jour­ nal of South African Botany 28 :259-268. LETTY, CYTHNA. 1962. Wild Flowers of the Transvaal. Hortors Limited, Johannesburg, South Africa. MIDDELMANN, W. J. AND E. R. 1963. Growing Proteas from Seed. South African Garden and Home. May issue. MORCOMBE, M. K. Australia's Western Wildflowers. Grandfall Press, 164 St. George's Terrace, Perth, Western Australia. NEAL, MARIE C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. PALMER, EVE AND NORA PITMAN, 1961. Trees of South Africa. A. A. Balkema, Cape Town, South Africa. RADCLIFFE, WOODWARD. 1968. "The Proteas." Los Angeles Times Home Magazine, Garden Sec­ tion, July 7:46-47. RILEY, HERBERT P. 1963. Families of Flowering Plants of Southern Africa. University of Kentucky Press, Lexington, Kentucky. Rossouw, G. G. 1966. Proteas can be grafted. Farming in South Africa 42 (6) :53-5. ROUSSEAU, G. G. 1967. Propagation of Proteaceae from Cuttings. and Food Technology Research Institute, Stellenbosch. Republic of South Africa, Department of Agricultural Technical Services. Technical Communication No. 70. RYCROFT, H. B. 1963. Our Flower Paradise. Hortors Limited, Johannesburg, South Africa. SKYWAYS. 1968. Protea-South Africa's National Flower. South African Airways, Johannes­ burg, South Africa. November issue. STEVENS, WALLACE R. 1965. Growing S. A. Proteaceae in New Zealand. .Journal of the Bo­ tanical Society of South Africa 51:19-21. SUNSET MAGAZINE. 1969. Those Crazy Protease Menlo Park, California. 42 (4) :250-251. THORNS, F. W. 1943. South African Proteaceae in Cultivation. Journal of the Botanical Society of South Africa 29 :9-12. VAN STADEN, J. 1966. Studies on the Germination of Seed of Proteaceae. Journal of South African Botany 32 (3) :291-298. VOGTS, MARIE M. 1954. Growing Proteaceae in the Summer-rainfall Area. Journal of the Botanical Society of South Africa 40: 18-21. VOGTS, MARIE. 1960. The South African Proteaceae: The Need for More Research. South African Journal of Science 56:297-305. WERNER, H. F. 1951. South African Proteaceae and Their Cultivation. J oumal of the Botanical Society of South Africa 37:14-17. WERNER, H. F. 1957. Propagation and Cultivation of Proteas and . Journal of the Botanical Society of South Africa 43 :6-10.

23 PROTEAS UNDER EVALUATION AT ~ULA, MAUl BRANCH STATION

Aulax cneorifolia tinctum (== grandiflorum) Banksia attenuata venosum coccinea xanthoconus (== salignum) collinia Leucospermum ericifolia bolusii (== album) grandis catherinae media conocarpodendron occidentalis (== conocarpum) robur cordifolium (== nutans) speciosa cuneiforme (== attenuatum) spinulosa muirii victorial reflexum GreviUea banksii Paranomous reflexus thelemanniana Protea amplexicaulis barbigera lauriana compacta cynaroides dawsoni eximia (== latifolia) fo~mosus grandiceps petiolaris harmeri formosa lacti hybrid Leucadendrqn adscendens lacticolor hybrid argenteum lepidocarpodendron comosum (== aemulum) longiflora daphnoides longifolia discolor obtusifolia eucalyptifolium pityphylla gandogeri (== guthrieae) pulchra laureolum (== decorum) repens salicifolium (== strictum) Serruria florida stokoei Telopea speciosissima = symbol indicates former species nalne which nlay be helpful when working with older plant listings. Plant names used in this publi­ cation are based upon the 1969/70 Index Seminum of the National Botanic Gardens of South Africa.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE HAWAII AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, HONOLULU, HAWAII HARLAN CLEVELAND President of the University C. PEAIRS WILSON Dean of the College and Director of the Experiment Station WALLACE C. MITCHELL Acting Associate Director of the Experiment Station