Sugar Bush | Protea 'Red Repens'

Bring a true piece of Cape fynbos into the garden with Protea repens, the beautiful Common Sugarbush. This hardy indigenous protea produces distinctive, chalice-shaped flower heads in shades ranging from creamy white and soft pink to rich red. In Cape Town, flowering is often seen from autumn through winter, although flowering time can vary between forms and growing conditions. Its nectar-rich blooms attract Cape Sugarbirds, sunbirds, bees and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. A wonderful choice for fynbos gardens, feature planting, informal screening and low-water landscapes, Protea repens thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is highly water-wise and well suited to the Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape.

Why You'll Love It:

• A beautiful indigenous garden classic.
• Chalice-shaped blooms in cream, pink or red.
• Loved  by sugarbirds, sunbirds and bees.
• Drought tolerant once established.
• Attractive flowers develop into distinctive seedheads.

Plant & Care 

Plant in full sun with excellent drainage and avoid rich, heavily fertilized soils. Water regularly while establishing, particularly through first dry summers. Avoid waterlogged soil and excessive irrigation, as good drainage and airflow are important for healthy proteas. After flowering remove flower heads by cutting the flowers stems back to strong new growth. Regular shaping is not usually necessary. In Cape Town , late autumn is an excellent time to plant, giving the roots time to establish before the hot, dry summer.

Did You Know?

Protea repens was South Africa's national flower until 1976, when the King Protea (Protea cynaroides) took its place. Its abundant nectar was traditionally collected and boiled into sweet syrup known as "bossiestroop", or bush syrup.