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Sugarbushes (Protea)
Sugarbushes are a diverse group of subtropical flowering plants. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1735, supposedly after Proteus, the ancient Greek god who could freely change his form. The genus was given this name due to the richness and variety of forms these plants take, including many varieties of attractive flowers.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Sugarbushes
Feedback
Attributes of Sugarbushes
Plant Height
1.5 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Sugarbushes
How to Grow and Care for Sugarbushes
Feedback
Sugarbushess are known for their striking flowers and are native to diverse climates, requiring specific care. For basic needs, sugarbushes prefers full sun, well-drained acidic soil, and moderate watering, with reduced frequency once established. Common challenges include root rot, fungal diseases, and pests like scale insects. Seasonally, sugarbushes needs protection from frost in winter and may require increased hydration in hot summers. Spring is ideal for planting or transplanting, while in autumn, preparing sugarbushes for colder weather is crucial.
How to Water Sugarbushes?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sugarbushes?
How to Plant Sugarbushes?
Exploring the Sugarbushes Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Narrow-leaf sugarbush
Narrow-leaf sugarbush (Protea neriifolia) is a plant species native and endemic to South Africa. Narrow-leaf sugarbush grows commonly in the southern coastal mountain regions near Cape Town. This species is often cultivated and is considered one of the easiest Protea species to grow. Narrow-leaf sugarbush is pollinated by scarab beetles and birds.
King protea
The king protea is a shrub with a flower that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The large, globe-shaped buds resemble giant artichokes before they open. The Latin name *Protea cynaroides* is reminiscent of the Greek sea-god, Proteus, who was known to change shapes, suggesting the diversity found in this unique bloom.
Queen sugarbush
Queen sugarbush boasts a regal presence with its large, showy flower heads that resemble artichoke blooms. These flowers sit atop sturdy stems and are surrounded by slender leaves, adapting to their native rugged terrain. The plant's striking appearance, with a blend of pinkish-bronze petals tipped with silvery hairs, attests to its resilience and beauty amidst challenging environments.
Silver sugarbush
Silver sugarbush is a dwarf shrub commonly found in nutrient-poor soils. Due to its sweet nectar, this low-sprawler is attractive to birds, especially the sugarbird, which is thought to be where the Dwarf silver sugarbush's name derives from. Silver sugarbush is considered critically endangered in South Africa.
Waterlily sugarbush
Waterlily sugarbush is native to South Africa's fynbos biome. Its unusual blooms resemble waterlilies, with white to pink petals adorned with greenish-brown bracts, and attract bees and birds. The colorful flowers are often used in floral arrangements and gardens.
Common sugarbush
A unique plant that is occasionally cultivated in tropical gardens to add texture and color, common sugarbush can either grow as a tree or shrub in its natural South African habitat. In areas where wildfires are common, it has a bush-like growth habit.
Thistle protea
Thistle protea is a striking species native to South Africa's fynbos region, known for its unusual cone-shaped inflorescences, which bloom vibrant red to pinkish flowers encased in large, overlapping bracts. These showy bracts help protect the flowers from harsh conditions, embodying the plant's adaptability to nutrient-poor soils and fire-prone habitats. The shrub's leathery leaves further equip thistle protea for survival in this challenging yet biodiverse landscape.
Protea piscina
This shrub plant is a long-living species with distinctively tubular, long green leaves and thick, bushy flowers that grow low at their center. Protea piscina forms a mat as it grows, and thrives even in areas with fires.
All Species of Sugarbushes
Narrow-leaf sugarbush
Narrow-leaf sugarbush
Narrow-leaf sugarbush (Protea neriifolia) is a plant species native and endemic to South Africa. Narrow-leaf sugarbush grows commonly in the southern coastal mountain regions near Cape Town. This species is often cultivated and is considered one of the easiest Protea species to grow. Narrow-leaf sugarbush is pollinated by scarab beetles and birds.
King protea
King protea
The king protea is a shrub with a flower that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The large, globe-shaped buds resemble giant artichokes before they open. The Latin name *Protea cynaroides* is reminiscent of the Greek sea-god, Proteus, who was known to change shapes, suggesting the diversity found in this unique bloom.
Queen sugarbush
Queen sugarbush
Queen sugarbush boasts a regal presence with its large, showy flower heads that resemble artichoke blooms. These flowers sit atop sturdy stems and are surrounded by slender leaves, adapting to their native rugged terrain. The plant's striking appearance, with a blend of pinkish-bronze petals tipped with silvery hairs, attests to its resilience and beauty amidst challenging environments.
Silver sugarbush
Silver sugarbush
Silver sugarbush is a dwarf shrub commonly found in nutrient-poor soils. Due to its sweet nectar, this low-sprawler is attractive to birds, especially the sugarbird, which is thought to be where the Dwarf silver sugarbush's name derives from. Silver sugarbush is considered critically endangered in South Africa.
Waterlily sugarbush
Waterlily sugarbush
Waterlily sugarbush is native to South Africa's fynbos biome. Its unusual blooms resemble waterlilies, with white to pink petals adorned with greenish-brown bracts, and attract bees and birds. The colorful flowers are often used in floral arrangements and gardens.
Common sugarbush
Common sugarbush
A unique plant that is occasionally cultivated in tropical gardens to add texture and color, common sugarbush can either grow as a tree or shrub in its natural South African habitat. In areas where wildfires are common, it has a bush-like growth habit.
Thistle protea
Thistle protea
Thistle protea is a striking species native to South Africa's fynbos region, known for its unusual cone-shaped inflorescences, which bloom vibrant red to pinkish flowers encased in large, overlapping bracts. These showy bracts help protect the flowers from harsh conditions, embodying the plant's adaptability to nutrient-poor soils and fire-prone habitats. The shrub's leathery leaves further equip thistle protea for survival in this challenging yet biodiverse landscape.
Protea piscina
Protea piscina
This shrub plant is a long-living species with distinctively tubular, long green leaves and thick, bushy flowers that grow low at their center. Protea piscina forms a mat as it grows, and thrives even in areas with fires.
Kleinmond sugarbush
Kleinmond sugarbush
Kleinmond sugarbush is a striking shrub renowned for its large, colorful inflorescences that resemble artichoke heads. Protected by sturdy bracts, these blooms often show a brilliant range of reds and pinks. Adapted to its native fynbos ecosystem, kleinmond sugarbush thrives in well-drained soils, flourishing with fire-adapted resilience and showcasing its distinctive beauty amidst South Africa's diverse flora.
Drakensberg sugarbush
Drakensberg sugarbush
Drakensberg sugarbush is a striking flowering shrub native to alpine regions, featuring large, distinctive blooms with bracts ranging from pink to red. These colorful bracts encase the true flowers, creating a unique cone-like appearance. Adapted to harsh, rocky environments, its robust leaves are tough and leathery, providing resilience against cold, windswept conditions. Drakensberg sugarbush anchors itself with a sturdy root system, thriving amidst mountainous terrain.
White sugarbush
White sugarbush
The white sugarbush stands out with its large, showy flowers that are representative of the Protea family, exhibiting a range of hues from creamy white to pale pink. It sports a thick stem and leathery leaves that speak to its resilience in the fire-prone fynbos regions where it thrives. Adapted to poor soils, white sugarbush lures pollinators with its prominent blooms, playing a vital role in its ecosystem.
Sulphur sugarbush
Sulphur sugarbush
Sulphur sugarbush boasts a striking appearance with large, rounded flower heads surrounded by colorful bracts, often in bright sulfur-yellow, giving it its namesake. This evergreen shrub thrives in its native fynbos habitat, with adaptations such as thick, leathery leaves to withstand dry conditions. Its bold blooms attract a variety of pollinators, crucial for the local ecosystem.
Protea lorifolia
Protea lorifolia
Protea lorifolia is a striking shrub endemic to South Africa's fynbos region, characterized by its sturdy, upright stems and narrow, leathery leaves. Its large, bowl-shaped bloom heads showcase an array of colors, often a vibrant mix of pinks and oranges, which attract a host of pollinators. Adaptable to poor, sandy soils, protea lorifolia is both fire-resistant and capable of resprouting from its underground stem after wildfires, a survival strategy in its harsh natural habitat.
Dwarf savanna sugarbush
Dwarf savanna sugarbush
Dwarf savanna sugarbush is characterized by its striking large flower heads with pink to red bracts that resemble artichoke hearts. This tough plant thrives in Africa's rocky terrain, adapting to limited water with its deep root system. Its leathery leaves withstand harsh sun and its vibrant bloom attracts a myriad of pollinators, playing a crucial role in its arid ecosystem.
Protea montana
Protea montana
Protea montana is a striking shrub native to alpine regions, boasting large, dome-shaped flower heads ringed with colorful bracts resembling petals. These durable bracts range from pink to crimson, protecting its inner, true flowers. Adapted to rocky soils, protea montana endures harsh winds and cold, exhibiting leathery, grey-green leaves with a thick, waxy coating to minimize water loss.
Limestone sugarbush
Limestone sugarbush
Limestone sugarbush is a robust shrub endemic to the South African fynbos biome, marked by its large, striking flower heads. These blooms, showcasing pink to red bracts, emerge from lush green foliage that has adapted to survive the fire-prone landscape. The broad, leathery leaves and dense growth habit reflect limestone sugarbush's resilience in nutrient-poor soils, offering a glimpse into the species' evolutionary mastery of its harsh, yet biodiverse habitat.
Rough-leaf sugarbush
Rough-leaf sugarbush
Rough-leaf sugarbush is a unique member of the Proteaceae family, characterized by its striking flower heads that blossom into pinkish-purple hues. These are surrounded by leathery, pointed bracts that give a rough texture, reflecting the plant's name. Adapted to nutrient-poor soils, rough-leaf sugarbush thrives in its native fynbos habitat, demonstrating resilience to fire and drought with its deep root system.
Barbers hybrid
Barbers hybrid
Barbers hybrid is a striking plant native to South Africa's varied landscapes, where its adaptability to different environments is showcased by its long, narrow leaves and robust stems. Its prominent, cone-shaped flower heads, often a blend of pink and orange hues, attract a diverse array of pollinators. These flowers are iconic among the fynbos vegetation, where barbers hybrid thrives in nutrient-poor soils, illustrating a remarkable resilience to harsh conditions.
Broadleaf sugarbush
Broadleaf sugarbush
Broadleaf sugarbush boasts large, impressive flower heads that gleam in shades of pink and red, contrasting sharply with its silvery-green foliage. Typically found in South African fynbos regions, it thrives amid harsh, fire-prone environments. The robust structure of its leaves and stems reflects adaptations to scarce water conditions, making broadleaf sugarbush a resilient and striking inhabitant of its native ecosystem.
Protea stokoei
Protea stokoei
Protea stokoei, a striking shrub native to South African fynbos, boasts large, pincushion-like flower heads with pink to crimson hues surrounded by stiff, pointed bracts. Its leathery, oblong leaves adapt well to the harsh, fire-prone habitat. Bloomings occur from mid to late summer, attracting pollinators and showcasing its resilience amid arid conditions.
Groove-leaf sugarbush
Groove-leaf sugarbush
Groove-leaf sugarbush stands out with its deeply channeled leaves and prominent, cone-shaped flower heads. The plant's robust structure is primed for survival in fire-prone habitats, with the blooms arising post-blaze to seize the unclaimed sunlight. Its nectar-rich bracts attract a variety of pollinators, playing a critical role in the ecosystem.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Sugarbushes
Protea
Sugarbushes are a diverse group of subtropical flowering plants. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1735, supposedly after Proteus, the ancient Greek god who could freely change his form. The genus was given this name due to the richness and variety of forms these plants take, including many varieties of attractive flowers.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
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Key Facts About Sugarbushes
Feedback
Attributes of Sugarbushes
Plant Height
1.5 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Sugarbushes
How to Grow and Care for Sugarbushes
Feedback
Sugarbushess are known for their striking flowers and are native to diverse climates, requiring specific care. For basic needs, sugarbushes prefers full sun, well-drained acidic soil, and moderate watering, with reduced frequency once established. Common challenges include root rot, fungal diseases, and pests like scale insects. Seasonally, sugarbushes needs protection from frost in winter and may require increased hydration in hot summers. Spring is ideal for planting or transplanting, while in autumn, preparing sugarbushes for colder weather is crucial.
How to Water Sugarbushes?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sugarbushes?
How to Plant Sugarbushes?
Exploring the Sugarbushes Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Narrow-leaf sugarbush
Narrow-leaf sugarbush (Protea neriifolia) is a plant species native and endemic to South Africa. Narrow-leaf sugarbush grows commonly in the southern coastal mountain regions near Cape Town. This species is often cultivated and is considered one of the easiest Protea species to grow. Narrow-leaf sugarbush is pollinated by scarab beetles and birds.
King protea
The king protea is a shrub with a flower that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The large, globe-shaped buds resemble giant artichokes before they open. The Latin name *Protea cynaroides* is reminiscent of the Greek sea-god, Proteus, who was known to change shapes, suggesting the diversity found in this unique bloom.
Queen sugarbush
Queen sugarbush boasts a regal presence with its large, showy flower heads that resemble artichoke blooms. These flowers sit atop sturdy stems and are surrounded by slender leaves, adapting to their native rugged terrain. The plant's striking appearance, with a blend of pinkish-bronze petals tipped with silvery hairs, attests to its resilience and beauty amidst challenging environments.
Silver sugarbush
Silver sugarbush is a dwarf shrub commonly found in nutrient-poor soils. Due to its sweet nectar, this low-sprawler is attractive to birds, especially the sugarbird, which is thought to be where the Dwarf silver sugarbush's name derives from. Silver sugarbush is considered critically endangered in South Africa.
Show More Species
All Species of Sugarbushes
Narrow-leaf sugarbush
King protea
Queen sugarbush
Silver sugarbush
Waterlily sugarbush
Common sugarbush
Thistle protea
Protea piscina
Kleinmond sugarbush
Drakensberg sugarbush
White sugarbush
Sulphur sugarbush
Protea lorifolia
Dwarf savanna sugarbush
Protea montana
Limestone sugarbush
Rough-leaf sugarbush
Barbers hybrid
Broadleaf sugarbush
Protea stokoei
Groove-leaf sugarbush
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
