Fern-leaved protea Plant Care

Fern-leaved protea (Protea scolopendriifolia) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Protea genus. Fern-leaved protea is native to South Africa. Fern-leaved protea is also known as Sugarbush.

Fern-leaved protea displays an upright, shrubby growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Fern-leaved protea produces large, showy flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fern-leaved protea every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fern-leaved protea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Protea scolopendriifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Fern-leaved protea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Fern-leaved protea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fern-leaved protea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fern-leaved protea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fern-leaved protea can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fern-leaved protea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fern-leaved protea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fern-leaved protea can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to oleander-leaf protea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Fern-leaved protea is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fern-leaved protea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Fern-leaved protea is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fern-leaved protea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.