Sugar Bush
Protea repens
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
Protea repens 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 from June to August. 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
Not known
S. Africa - Cape Province
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The nectar from the flowers is consumed directly or made into a delicious syrup.
Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.
Medicine
Rating: 0
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. Not very hardy in Britain, but they 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. Dislikes root disturbance.
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