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Spacing and Pruning Your Protea

Writer's picture: Red House Flower CompanyRed House Flower Company

Updated: Oct 29, 2024

Pruning is essential for shaping and encouraging growth in Protea plants. Here’s how to do it right:


  1. Early Pruning for Ground-Planted Protea: If your Protea is planted in the ground, prune early to promote low branching. This gives the plant a stable, sturdy structure that supports long-term growth.


  2. Prune After Flowering for Shape: The best time to shape your plant is right after it blooms. Pruning at this time helps maintain the plant’s aesthetic without cutting off future flowers.


  3. Leave Leaves Below the Cut: When cutting flowers, make sure to leave some leaves on the branch below your cut. New growth typically emerges here, so leaving 4-8 leaves behind will encourage healthier regrowth.


  4. Shape Your Plant: Pruning the top encourages bottom branching, while removing low branches supports upper growth. Protea plants respond well to pruning, but avoid removing more than 30% of the plant at once to prevent shock.


  5. Encourage Early Branching and Flowering: Pruning young Protea plants helps them branch out and can even lead to earlier flowering. Be proactive with shaping to get the most from your plant.


  6. Thin Dense Growth: For fuller plants, thin the inner branches. This allows sunlight and air to penetrate the plant, making it healthier and more resilient.


Spacing for Protea Family Plants


For those planting multiple Protea species, spacing is important. Here are general spacing guidelines:

  • Leucadendron: 4-5 feet apart

  • Protea: 6 feet apart

  • Banksia: 6-10 feet apart

  • Leucospermum: 5-6 feet apart


Spacing can vary slightly based on the specific species, so check the recommended distance for your plant. Remember, Proteas tolerate pruning, which allows you to control their size and spread.




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