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In the Gardens

King Protea, Cape Artichoke Flower

Protea cynaroides

Bloom time:

From April to June.

Characteristics:

The plant grows 1-1,5 m (3,3 – 5’) tall. The leathery, spatula-shaped leaves are slightly crinkled and shine silvery. The calyces resemble artichokes or thistles. The outer bracts are coloured from violet to pink, the colour of the inner, tubular blooms ranges from a pale violet through green to silver.

Site:

In the Palheiro Gardens you will find King Proteas growing in two groups. Further protea species with blooms of different colours can be explored as well. Single specimens are to be found in the garden of the Quinta of Prazeres or close to the Quinta do Furão. At some places close to Camacha at an altitude of 400-700 m (440-765 yd.) or in the region above Calheta, proteas are cultivated for commercial purposes.

Interesting to know:

In the 20th century Mildred Blandy direct-ed Blandy’s Garden (currently known as the Palheiro Gardens) for five decades. She introduced Proteas to Madeira. She had raised in South Africa and thus felt a spe-cial affection for the flora of her motherland. After already being very fashionable in the 19th century, Proteas were rediscovered as cut flowers in the last years. Having been dried they stay attractive for several months.

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