Protea Pincushion

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

This flower belongs to the family Proteaceae that includes over a hundred species of trees and shrubs – most native to the cape region of South Africa.  The family’s name derives from the mythical sea god Proteus who could assume many different shapes.  Indeed, protea flowers come in wide variety of shapes and colors from the Pincushion to the King to the Pink Mink.  Protea flowers will outlast the foliage.  Strip the foliage before using proteas in arrangements.