There is something about autumn that seems to always set things into motion. And… if fall was a protea, Pink Ice would be that protea. They are autumn to a 'T' and simply stunning! The goblet shaped bloom is surrounded by fuzzy silvery-pink bracts that overlap and a beautiful rose-colored central dome with a splash of wine at the tip.
Protea Pink Ice, Neriifolia x Susannae, is one of the hardiest and most abundant plants here on the farm! And… the blooms? They’re fabulous no matter how you arrange them. I love mixing them with a variety of other flowers like roses, dahlias, zinnias, etc. or simply arranged all on their own. Here are few design ideas that will hopefully stir your creativity and get you 'falling' for Pink Ice!
Not all crops come in the traditional fall hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. Bring in new colors and textures with fruit, whether tucked amongst the floral centerpiece or displayed off to the side to polish off the vignette. In this design, I used a mix of protea, a banksia, grevillea blooms and Leucadendron, Amaryllis Belladonna, dahlias, hydrangea, eucalyptus, and passion fruit.
When autumn calls for an extra special arrangement, a cornucopia brimming with fresh flowers and fruit will surely do the trick.
So, gather up your favorite fruit, flowers + foliage and create something beautiful!
Proteas were named after the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology, who was the prophetic old man of the sea and shepherd of the sea's flock. Proteus protected the seals of Poseidon on the island of Pharos, near the mouth of the Nile, and was able to adopt any shape he wished. He knew all things - past, present, and future and disliked sharing his knowledge. If you wanted to consult him, you had to surprise him during his siesta and tie him up. Even when caught, he would try to escape by assuming many different shapes. If you were able to trap Proteus, he would return to his original shape, answer your questions, and plunge back into the sea.
Because of the intriguing myth that it comes with genus, and their unique charm, the family is known to symbolize extraordinary beauty, embracing diversity and individuality + the courage to stay true to oneself.
Diversity… Named after the god Proteus, it’s no wonder that the proteas symbolize diversity. It’s also associated with social unity and accepting one’s individuality. After all, they’re unique in so many ways, and can be found in many colors, hues, textures, shapes and sizes.
Courage & Resilience… The fact that proteas have existed for so long, thrive in extreme geographical areas and can endure harsh weather conditions - even wildfires, makes them the perfect symbol for strength, resilience and courage.
Transformation & Change… Proteas often represent change, transformation and hope, since the plant amiably restores itself after severe wildfires.
Beauty and Individuality… This family also represents beauty, which is fitting for their exotic and unique appearance. When placed next to other beautiful flowers, proteas will stand out in any arrangement. The flower’s unique appearance is often perceived as a symbol of distinctive beauty, individuality and courage to stay true to oneself.
Longevity… Dating back 300 million years, Proteas are among the oldest flowers we know. This link associates it with longevity and long life.
