{"product_id":"protea-eximia","title":"Protea Eximia: Bold Broad-leaf Sugarbush with Massive Rose-Pink Blooms","description":"\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.shopify-table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\n}\n.shopify-table th,\n.shopify-table td {\n  border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n  padding: 8px;\n  text-align: left;\n}\n.shopify-table th {\n  background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e🌺 \u003cstrong\u003eProtea eximia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size:0.9em; font-weight:400;\"\u003eBroad‑Leaf Sugarbush\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtea eximia\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eBroad‑Leaf Sugarbush\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a dramatic evergreen Protea species prized for its large, sculptural flower heads and bold, architectural presence. Native to South Africa, this striking shrub produces showy blooms with long, spoon‑shaped bracts in shades of pink to rosy red, surrounding a distinctive dark purple to near‑black velvety center. As the flowers mature, they develop a beautifully textured, organic appearance that makes them especially appealing for statement plantings and floral design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHighly valued as both an ornamental landscape plant and cut‑flower variety, \u003cstrong\u003eProtea eximia\u003c\/strong\u003e thrives in warm, dry climates with full sun and excellent drainage. Its broad, leathery blue‑green foliage provides year‑round structure, while its drought‑tolerant nature makes it well suited to \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/protea\"\u003eMediterranean‑style and water‑wise gardens\u003c\/a\u003e. With proper siting and care, this species delivers long‑lasting visual impact and timeless exotic appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBotanical Characteristics of Protea eximia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"shopify-table\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eCharacteristic\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eProtea eximia\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBroad‑Leaf Sugarbush, Duchess Protea\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eLarge upright evergreen shrub to small tree\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eBroad, leathery, grey‑green to blue‑green leaves with a glaucous finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers \/ Bracts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eLarge flower heads with pink to red spoon‑shaped bracts and a dark purple‑black velvety center\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Season\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003ePrimarily spring to early summer in mild climates\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eArchitectural blooms, dramatic center contrast, drought tolerant, ornamental and cut‑flower use\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMature Size and Form\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–10 ft (occasionally taller in ideal conditions)\u003cbr\u003e\n• \u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–12 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProtea eximia develops into a bold, upright shrub with strong stems and an open form. Light, selective pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages vigorous new growth. For pruning tips, see our \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/garden-journey\/protea-care-guide\"\u003eProtea Care Guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 9–10 (up to low Zone 11 in protected microclimates)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to regions with mild winters, full sun exposure, and fast‑draining soil. For planted specimens, proper acclimation after delivery is key—see our guidance below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCultivation and Care for Protea eximia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"shopify-table\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eAspect\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eFull sun for optimal flowering and compact growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eExcellent drainage required; sandy or rocky soil preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eLow once established; avoid frequent watering\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eAvoid phosphorus‑heavy fertilizers; use low‑P or native plant formulas only\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eRemove spent blooms; avoid hard cuts into woody growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nHelpful resources for success:\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bontefarm.com\/blogs\/garden-journey\/quick-tip-caring-for-a-newly-unboxed-protea-in-humid-conditions\"\u003e\nQuick Tip: Caring for a Newly Unboxed Protea in Humid Conditions\n\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bontefarm.com\/blogs\/garden-journey\/protea-care-guide\"\u003e\nComplete Protea Care Guide\n\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLandscape Use and Benefits of Protea eximia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n• Exceptional specimen shrub with strong architectural impact\u003cbr\u003e\n• Ideal for Mediterranean, coastal, and drought‑tolerant landscapes\u003cbr\u003e\n• Highly valued for premium fresh and dried cut flowers\u003cbr\u003e\n• Evergreen foliage provides year‑round structure\u003cbr\u003e\n• Pairs beautifully with \n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/leucospermum\"\u003eLeucospermum\u003c\/a\u003e, \n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/leucadendron\"\u003eLeucadendron\u003c\/a\u003e, \n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/banksia\"\u003eBanksia\u003c\/a\u003e, \n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/grevillea\"\u003eGrevillea\u003c\/a\u003e, and ornamental grasses\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Attraction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe large, nectar‑rich blooms attract pollinating insects and birds, enhancing biodiversity in compatible garden settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePest and Disease Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProtea eximia is generally resilient when planted correctly. Potential issues include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n• Root rot in poorly drained soils\u003cbr\u003e\n• Nutrient imbalance from unsuitable fertilizers\u003cbr\u003e\n• Leaf spotting or browning in humid conditions\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProper drainage, airflow, and conservative watering remain the keys to long‑term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Bonte Farm","offers":[{"title":"1-gallon (6x6x12” - 18”)","offer_id":46882061910251,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5-gallon (10x10x24” - 36”)","offer_id":45342748770539,"sku":"GPE5","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0673\/2483\/8123\/files\/DSC05280_Protea_Eximia.jpg?v=1770325625","url":"https:\/\/bontefarm.com\/fr\/products\/protea-eximia","provider":"Bonte Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}