Sugar Bush
Protea mellifera
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
Protea mellifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Mountain slopes to 300 metres.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The flowers are rich in nectar and this is often collected and used as a sweetener. It can be boiled down to make a syrup and is then often used medicinally.
Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antitussive, pectoral.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light soil, preferably on the poor side, with plenty of humus and sand. Requires a pH of 6.5 or lower. Plants are very sensitive to nitrates and phosphates in the soil, these can prove toxic even at moderate levels. Plants may also suffer from magnesium deficiency. Requires a position with good air circulation, but sheltered from cold winds. Dislikes warm sultry or windless days. Requires full exposure to the sun. This species is not very hardy in Britain, but it can be grown outdoors in selected areas. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -6°c, although prolonged frosts, or frosts combined with cold dry winds will cause damage. They are best grown in a cool greenhouse, but plants can be placed outdoors in the summer. A very ornamental plant. A good bee plant, providing an abundance of nectar. Many botanists see this species as no more than a synonym for P. repens. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and should be grown in pots until they are planted into their final positions.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in individual pots in a greenhouse. See notes above on soil requirements. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood. July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist