Protea cynaroides ‘Little Prince’ – Compact King Protea

Protea cynaroides ‘Little Prince’, commonly known as Little Prince Protea, is a compact form of the magnificent King Protea, producing large, dramatic flowers in rich dark pink with a striking white centre. The flowers appear mainly through autumn and spring and make excellent long-lasting cut flowers, while also attracting nectar-feeding birds to the garden.

Growing to around 1 metre tall and 75cm wide, ‘Little Prince’ forms a compact, upright shrub that is particularly well suited to smaller gardens, pots and containers. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while the large flowers create a spectacular feature when in bloom.

It prefers a sunny position with excellent drainage and a low phosphorus, acidic to neutral soil. Water regularly while establishing, then reduce watering once the plant is well established. Avoid phosphorus-based fertilisers, as Proteas are sensitive to phosphorus. It tolerates light to moderate frost, although protection from severe frosts is recommended, particularly while young. In Ballarat’s cold climate, choose a sheltered position or a container that can be moved to protection during severe frosts.

At Navigators Nursery, your frost-hardy nursery near Ballarat, we carefully select plants with our local conditions in mind. Little Prince Protea is a beautiful choice for bringing spectacular flowers, evergreen structure and something a little bit special to a sheltered Ballarat garden or patio.