The rules for posting are simple!

1. Every Friday post a photo that includes one or more flowers.
2. Please only post photos you have authority to use.
3. Include a link to this blog in your post - http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com/
4. Leave the link to your FloralFridayFoto post below on inlinkz.
5. Visit other blogs listed ... comment & enjoy!

When to Post:
inlinkz will be available every Thursday and will remain open until the next Wednesday.

Thursday 5 May 2016

FFF233 - PROTEA 'PINK ICE'

Cold hardiness and beautiful pink and black flowers are the hallmarks of the hybrid Protea, 'Pink Ice.' A cross between the South African natives, mink protea (Protea neriifolia) and stink-leaf sugarbush (P. susannae), this evergreen is an upright to loosely rounded shrub that blooms in Autumn and Winter. Its stellar blooms are beautiful when cut and last for two to three weeks in a vase.

The narrow, oval foliage of this shrub is medium green with a leathery, hard texture. When Autumn and Winter days shorten and temperatures grow cooler, the leaf edges blush rosy pink. Each blossom resembles a torch with hundreds of magenta-rose bracts. The tips of the bracts are edged with feathery burgundy black hairs. This Protea is among the easiest to grow. It tolerates slightly acid and alkaline soils as well as climates that are wet in winter and dry in summer, or dry in winter and wet in summer.

For best performance, plant it in full sun and alkaline soil that is moderately infertile. Soil must be fast-draining and porous; moist soils encourage fungal diseases. Amend loam and clay soils with grit and coarse organic matter to improve aeration and drainage. Do not fertilise, especially with phosphorus which causes proteas to falter. Plant this showy shrub in a prominent location to show off its magnificent flowers.

All proteas are short-lived surviving 10 to 15 years at most. Take stem cuttings from older plants to replace older, failing specimens. Trim spent flowers off in spring to encourage fuller growth and more blooms by early winter.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so.
****If you take part in the meme, please show an active link back to this site on your own blog post!****

26 comments:

  1. Hi Nick, This is a new plant to me. The color is so lovely and how wonderful that they last a long time in a vase. Have a nice upcoming weekend.

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  2. a pretty one that I know from Maui

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  3. Oh, I just love Proteas! They are fantastic!

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  4. Hiya Nick,
    So lovely the way you caught the light inside that cup.
    Again something so exotic that I will never see.

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  5. Hello,
    I liked the Proteas are also seen in the coat of arms of South Africa, very very good and your recording is also particularly nice.

    Greetings Eva

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  6. I like Proteas so much and these one have stunning color, Nick!
    Thank you so much for your comments, I always enjoy them.
    Have a happy weekend ... Frauke

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  7. I didn't know any proteas were hardy! I'll have to look into this one. Also, please forgive me for linking the variegated pieris. I know it's not really a flower, but doesn't it look like flowers?

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  8. Gorgeous! Thank you for hosting, Nick.

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  9. Beautiful shot....love the way you've caught the light around the petals.
    Thanks for hosting.
    Happy Weekend!

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  10. I know this Protea from the flower shops. I dare not grow it in my garden! Thanks for the opportunity to link in. Groetjes Hetty

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  11. Beautiful photo. I love this flowers so much. Great Blog und great Idea for "Floral Friday Flowers", if I can I will send you Flowers. Great to find you. Have a nice weekend.
    Ingrid

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  12. It's a very unusual but beautiful flower.

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  13. Hi Nick,
    such a gorgeous photo of this wonderful flower. Amazing !
    Best regards, Synnöve

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  14. Never see. I love your flower! I sent you tulps from Holland, Nick. Enjoy!

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  15. Dear Nick,
    I've never seen this one before - such a strange flower, but the color is great. Thank you for showing it to us! Best wishes,
    Annie

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  16. Proteas are truly magnificent flowers, and seeing your picture takes me right back to South Africa. :)

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  17. Nick, a new one for me. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. I like the shadows and sunlight on this beauty Nick.

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  19. Beautiful Protea Nick.....always remind me of the years I spent growing up in South Africa.

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  20. Heisann, I remember this fascinating flower from my visit to south Africa!

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  21. Absolutely gorgeous Nick… I love the details and the exquisite light shining through the petals!

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  22. What a beautiful picture of this attractive diva. Yes, I know this beauty when our florist in it has assortment I always buy. Thanks for the party, Nick, I wish you a sunny week.

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  23. My first time linking here - saw your meme via Denise in Va. Looking forward to viewing other's work each Friday!

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