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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 45 Within the Protea genus, there are myriad intriguing species, with varying flower sizes and foliage form, and spectacular new hybrids are constantly being developed and grown in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. In the U.S., the major growing centers for Protea— and other Proteaceae family members—are San Diego County, in California, and the island of Maui, in Hawaii. It exciting to see these flowers trending in both event and retail work, making them more recognized, appreciated and in demand. "e demand for Protea has reached fever pitch because their sturdy stems and distinctive long-lasting blooms make them the perfect cut flowers for clients of all kinds—from bridal and corporate to everyday," shares Diana Roy, business manager at Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers in Fallbrook, Calif. Are you showcasing these amazing blooms to your customers on a regular basis? ey are guaranteed to generate a lot of interest and excitement—and buzz about your shop. Types (Species) of Protea It is estimated that there are more than 130 "naturally occurring" species of Protea and dozens more "man- made" hybrid species (crossbreeds). And within each of those species, there numerous varieties (cultivars). Among the species, the most well-known as cut flowers include the following: Protea cynaroides king Protea, king sugarbush, giant sugarbush Protea magnifica queen Protea, queen sugarbush, bearded Protea, woolly-headed Protea, giant woolly beard Protea compacta prince Protea, prince sugarbush, Bot River Protea, Bot River sugarbush (popular varieties include 'Stately', 'Pink Cream' 'Trish' and 'Donna') Protea grandiceps princess Protea, princess sugarbush, red sugarbush, peach Protea (popular varieties include 'Amore' and 'Pink Lady') Protea eximia (formerly P. latifolia) duchess Protea, duchess sugarbush, rose-spoon Protea, rose-spoon sugarbush, broadleaf sugarbush, ray-flowered Protea By Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers Contrary to popular belief, Protea is not a tropical flower; it is actually more of a "Mediterranean-grown" flower, and the blooms can be stored in a floral refrigerator at 40 F to 50 F and 75 percent to 85 percent humidity. Here are some tips to improve the vase life of Protea. • Unpack the flowers immediately upon their arrival in your store. • Cut up to 1/2 inch off the stem ends, and remove any leaves that would be underwater in a storage container or vase. • Store flowers in a well-lit floral refrigerator at 40 F to 50 F and 75 percent to 85 percent humidity (Protea prefer to "rest" with the light on). • Remove a few leaves around the flower heads to better showcase the blooms. • Always use a properly proportioned flower nutrient solution in storage and arrangement containers. • Check water levels frequently; Protea are extremely thirsty flowers. • Keep Protea out of direct sunlight whenever possible. • Some Protea species and varieties are prone to leaf blackening, which is due to low-light conditions, water stress (lack of adequate hydration) and/or decaying leaves in storage containers. To prevent leaf blackening, keep Protea in a well-lit area, always place them into a properly proportioned nutrient solution, and keep them away from high temperatures and direct sunlight. If the blooms look fresh and healthy to you, simply remove any leaves with black spots. • With proper care, Protea blooms can last from one to three weeks in container arrangements, as long as the containers have a large water reservoir and consumers replenish the flower nutrient solution regularly. Then, the blooms don't "die"; they dry beautifully. Many Protea species retain their structural design and, to some extent, their color. for Improving Protea Vase Life Photo by Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 45

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