What makes the Protea ‘Susara’ unique compared to other Protea varieties?

Protea ‘Susara’ is distinguished by its smoky, antique-colored blooms in muted shades of dusky pink, creamy beige, silver, and grey, as well as its attractive, sometimes twisted grey-green foliage. This cultivar adds sophisticated texture and enigmatic beauty to gardens and is prized for both its striking appearance and versatility.

How do I care for Protea ‘Susara’ in my garden?

Plant Protea ‘Susara’ in well-drained, acidic soil in a sunny location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water well at planting and during establishment, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering and heavy, high-phosphorus fertilizers. Pruning is minimal—just remove dead or damaged branches after flowering.

Is Protea ‘Susara’ suitable for coastal or Mediterranean-style gardens?

Yes, Protea ‘Susara’ is well-suited for coastal and Mediterranean gardens due to its tolerance for salt spray, good drought resistance, and preference for well-drained soils. It pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant, acid-loving plants for a unique, water-wise landscape.

When does Protea ‘Susara’ bloom and how big will it get?

Protea ‘Susara’ typically blooms from late winter to spring. At maturity, it reaches about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) in width, depending on growing conditions and care.

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Protea 'Susara': Compact, Heavy-Bloomiing Cherry-Pink Protea Shrub

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Protea ‘Susara’

Protea ‘Susara’ is a highly regarded hybrid known for its exceptional cold tolerance, compact growth habit, and abundant blush‑pink blooms. This versatile cultivar produces medium-sized, cup‑shaped flowers with soft salmon, rose, and cream tones accented by subtle silvery tips along the bracts. The blooms sit atop sturdy stems and contrast beautifully with the plant’s leathery blue‑green foliage, creating a refined and balanced look suitable for both home gardens and commercial landscapes. Blooming primarily from late winter into spring, with occasional flushes at other times, ‘Susara’ offers long-lasting color and excellent performance even in challenging climates.

Well adapted to Mediterranean, coastal, and inland dry-summer regions, Protea ‘Susara’ thrives in full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. It is widely considered one of the easiest proteas to grow, making it a top choice for gardeners seeking reliability without sacrificing exotic appeal. Once established, it demonstrates strong drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs. Its compact size, elegant blooms, and resilience have made it popular for cut-flower production, feature planting, and low-water landscape designs. With year‑round structure and seasonal impact, Protea ‘Susara’ is a standout cultivar for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic	Detail
Scientific Name	Protea ‘Susara’
Common Name(s)	Susara Protea
Growth Habit	Compact, upright evergreen shrub
Foliage	Thick, leathery blue‑green leaves; oval to lance-shaped
Flowers / Bracts	Blush-pink, salmon, and cream blooms with frosted bract tips
Flowering Season	Late winter through spring; occasional blooms year-round in ideal climates
Special Features	Cold tolerant, drought tolerant, excellent cut flowers, reliable performer

Mature Size and Form of Protea ‘Susara’

Protea ‘Susara’ typically reaches 4–6 ft tall (1.2–1.8 m) with a spread of 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m). It forms a rounded, sturdy shrub with strong branching and excellent natural structure. Pruning is minimal—mainly the removal of spent blooms to encourage new growth.

USDA Hardiness Zone Recommendations

Best grown in USDA Zones 8b–11, ‘Susara’ is one of the more cold-hardy protea varieties, thriving in Mediterranean, coastal, and dry inland climates with mild winters and sharp drainage.

Cultivation and Care for Protea ‘Susara’

Aspect	Care Instructions
Sunlight	Full sun required for vigorous growth and blooming
Soil	Acidic, sandy, or rocky soil with excellent drainage; avoid clay
Water	Low once established; prefers deep, infrequent irrigation
Fertilizer	Use only low‑phosphorus, Proteaceae-safe fertilizers
Pruning	Remove spent blooms; avoid heavy cuts into old wood

Landscape Use and Benefits

• Excellent specimen shrub for small and medium gardens
• Thrives in Mediterranean and coastal landscapes
• Very popular for cut‑flower production
• Provides long-season color and reliable performance
• Pairs beautifully with Leucospermums, Leucadendrons, Banksias, and ornamental grasses