Protea ‘Susara’: Unveiling the Smoky Elegance of the ‘Susara’ Protea

Protea ‘Susara’: The Enigmatic ‘Susara’ Protea for Unique Gardens

Protea ‘Susara’ is a captivating evergreen shrub celebrated for its uniquely colored and textured flower heads and attractive, often slightly twisted foliage. A distinguished cultivar from South Africa, ‘Susara’ brings an element of intriguing beauty and sophisticated texture to the landscape. Its adaptability to well-drained conditions and its distinctive floral display make it a sought-after choice for discerning gardeners looking to cultivate a protea with an exceptional and somewhat mysterious presence.

A Study in Unusual Hues and Textural Intrigue:

• Distinctive Blooms: The flower heads of Protea ‘Susara’ are truly remarkable and often described as having an almost antique or smoky quality. They typically exhibit a rounded to slightly conical shape with bracts that display a unique blend of colors, often featuring muted shades of dusky pink, creamy beige, and sometimes hints of silver or grey. The bracts themselves can have a slightly velvety or textured appearance, adding to the bloom's enigmatic charm and making it a focal point of considerable interest in any garden.
• Attractive, Often Twisted Foliage: The foliage of the ‘Susara’ Protea complements its unique blooms with an equally interesting texture. The leaves are typically lance-shaped and possess a smooth, often grey-green hue, but what sets this cultivar apart is the tendency of the leaves to exhibit a subtle twisting or curling, adding a layer of visual intrigue and architectural interest to the plant even when not in flower. This evergreen foliage ensures year-round appeal and a distinctive structure in the garden.  

Botanical Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Protea ‘Susara’
• Growth Habit: Upright, branching shrub
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, smooth, often grey-green leaves with a tendency to twist or curl.
• Flowers: Rounded to slightly conical flower heads with unique, muted shades of dusky pink, creamy beige, and sometimes silver or grey bracts.
• Bloom Time: Primarily late winter to spring.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) in width, though size can vary depending on environmental conditions and specific cultivation practices.
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11 (best suited for regions with mild, frost-free winters).

Cultivation and Care:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote optimal flowering and healthy, vigorous growth. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the development of the unique flower colors and overall plant vitality of this cultivar.  
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Excellent drainage is paramount for Protea ‘Susara’ to prevent root rot, to which it can be susceptible in poorly draining conditions. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain excessive moisture.  
• Water: Water thoroughly when planting and during the initial establishment period. Once established, Protea ‘Susara’ exhibits good drought tolerance. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided to maintain the health and unique characteristics of this protea.  
• Fertilizer: Generally, Protea ‘Susara’ does not require heavy fertilization. If needed, apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants or Proteaceae sparingly in the spring. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can be detrimental to the plant's health and may negatively impact its unique coloration.  
• Temperature: Prefers mild to warm temperatures and is sensitive to prolonged hard frosts. In regions experiencing cold winters, some protection may be necessary, especially for younger plants. Mature plants may tolerate brief, light frosts in Zone 9.  
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is generally required. Remove any dead or damaged branches. Light shaping can be done after flowering to maintain a desired form and encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, which can stress the plant.

Landscape Use:

• Unique Specimen Plant: Its unusually colored and textured flower heads and distinctive foliage make Protea ‘Susara’ an exceptional specimen plant, drawing attention and adding a touch of enigmatic beauty to garden beds and borders.
• Intriguing Coastal Gardens: Exhibits good tolerance to coastal conditions, including salt spray, making it a valuable and intriguing addition to seaside landscapes where its unique appearance can create a sophisticated ambiance.  
• Textural Mediterranean Gardens: Its drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils make it a wonderful addition to Mediterranean-style gardens, complementing other sun-loving, low-water plants with its distinctive texture and coloration.  
• Sophisticated Cut Flowers: The uniquely colored and textured flower heads are highly prized for creating sophisticated and long-lasting fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding an element of unusual beauty to any display.
• Textural Garden Accent: Can be incorporated into mixed shrub borders to provide a unique focal point and extend the season of interest with its distinctive blooms and foliage.

Wildlife Attraction:

The nectar-rich flowers of Protea ‘Susara’, despite their more muted coloration, still attract nectar-feeding birds, bees, and other pollinators, contributing to a lively and biodiverse garden environment.

Pest and Disease Resistance:

Protea ‘Susara’ is generally considered to be relatively pest and disease resistant when grown in appropriate conditions. However, as with all proteas, ensuring excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Monitor for any signs of fungal diseases, particularly in humid conditions, and address them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical treatments if necessary. Good air circulation can also help prevent fungal issues.  

Propagation:

Propagation of Protea ‘Susara’ is typically achieved through cuttings taken from semi-hardwood growth in late summer or autumn. Seed propagation may not produce plants with the same unique characteristics as the parent cultivar. Cuttings are the preferred method for maintaining the specific and desirable traits of ‘Susara’.

Incorporating Protea ‘Susara’ into Your Landscape:

• Planting Location: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Ensure adequate space for its mature size and allow for good air circulation to showcase its unique form and blooms.
• Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area with well-draining, acidic soil. Amend heavy soils with sand or other gritty materials to improve drainage and aeration, which is vital for this cultivar.  
• Companion Plants: Pair with other drought-tolerant, acid-loving plants such as other Proteaceae species, fynbos plants, succulents, and certain Mediterranean herbs to create a visually intriguing and water-wise landscape that further highlights the enigmatic beauty of ‘Susara’.

Relevant Plants: Protea ‘Susara’, ‘Susara’ Protea, South African native plants, drought-tolerant shrubs, coastal garden plants, Mediterranean landscaping, unique cut flowers, unusual blooms, textured foliage.