Leucadendron

This wonderful genus of the Protea Family consists of some 80 species and many more subspecies and cultivars. Once found exclusively in South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom, they have the sexes on separate plants and have distinctive, colorful flowering bracts and varying textures.

Currently, there are a large number of varieties being grown for the floral trade in several countries throughout the world. The best known variety being the New Zealand raised cultivar “Safari Sunset”. In the past, large volumes of leucadendron were shipped from South Africa to Europe, where it was sold in flower markets as “Cape Greens” and treated as a long-lasting filler-foliage. This image has changed with the realization that many leucadendron blooms are beautiful flowers in their own right, and as a result the demand for them has increase dramatically.

All of the varieties feature here were photographed during the late summer months when they take on their brilliant tones of reds, burgundy, and greens—a perfect addition to any fall design or bouquet.

Mimetes

Often considered the most spectacular genus of the  Protea Family, the eleven species of Mimetes are endemic to South Africa's Cape Floral Region.  The name Mimetes is derived from the Greek meaning "to imitate" which refers to the close resemblance of its toothed leaves to some of its other family member, like Leucospermum or better known as Pincushion. 

Other common names for this species are pineapple bush or red bottlebrush.  These names describe the clusters of bright red, yellow and green terminal leaf bracts with a round, hooded appearance and encased white-tufted flowers which are nestled in the axils of the leaves; and displayed throughout much of the year.

Mimetes is truly one of the most strikingly beautiful of Proteas and is a prized cut flower.

Leucadendron Silver Tree

Famed for its spectacular foliage, Leucadendron Argenteum or sometimes called "Cape Silver Tree" has wonderful large, broadly pointed green leaves covered in silver silken hairs.  These leaves create a vivid display as they shimmer in the wind.

What is Silver Tree's Secret?  

You don't know whether it is a male or a female until the day it flowers and shows off with large, pure silver egg-like cones (female) or yellow pollen surrounding small silver buds (male).  The Silver Tree relies on wind for dispersing its seeds instead of having to attract birds or other dispersers.  Each fruit looks like a small nut and is equipped with a "parachute".  Once the seed is freed by strong winds, it can travel a considerable distance thanks to its design.

Silver Tree branches are stunning when used in arrangements and its individual leaves are ideal in corsages and boutonnieres.   The leaves also retain their silver color when dried, and can be painted or even used as a book marker.

Protea

Ever wonder why this exotic family of flowers and foliage was named Protea? It was Carl Linnaeus, a famous Swedish botanist, who in 1735 classified Proteas. He named them all after the legendary Greek sea god, Proteus, who could change his size and shape at will. He of course, was referring to the surprising diversity of the Protea's flowers and foliage as well as their size and growth habits. There are many examples of this diversity among the different species such as Leucadendron and Leucospermum (Pincushions), however, today we will look at a few of the different Protea .

Pictured here is the well - known Protea Cynaroides or Protea King.

This gorgeous bloom is Protea Ivy.

Protea Grandicep, the Princess, has very distinctive flowers and foliage.

It is important to note, that there are also many intriguing differences in both size and coloring amongst those flowers shown here. Protea is truly a large and interesting family with many species and subspecies, a family well worth exploring. What are some of your favorite Protea?

Protea Neriifolia – Oleander Leaf Protea

Another Fall favorite here at Resendiz Brothers! With a velvety touch and Parisian flair – this Protea more commonly called Pink or White Mink embodies sensuality and elegance. Its hardy leathery leaves help protect it against most insect attacks.


Horticulturists were growing Neriifolia in glasshouses in Europe long before it was officially named in 1810. In fact, it was one of the first Protea to be mentioned in botanical literature, and from as early as the 19th century people could buy cream or pink flowering plants from nurseries in England. It was also found in many private collections. Protea Mink's make an elegant and superb long-lasting cut flower.

Protea Pink Mink

Protea White Mink

Protea Repens

Protea Repens or often called "Sugarbush" are some of the most underrated protea we grow. There are many varieties available today with Guerna and Helen White topping our list of favorites. The word Repens means "creeping" but there is nothing creeping about this protea, the majority of flowers have long stems and some even display multiple blooms. The more accurate and common name "Sugarbush", honors the species' reputation of producing more sweet nectar than any other protea.


Repens could be considered the first protea. In 1774, it was cultivated under glass in the Royal Collection at Kew Gardens where, in 1780, it became the first protea ever to bloom in cultivation away from the Cape. Sugarbush was also considered South Africa's National Flower until 1976 when it was replace by the Protea King.


Here in California the majority of our Repens bloom from September through January. We consider them part of our fall harvest. It is interesting to note, that the process from a tight bud to an open flower takes six to eight weeks and the seed develops over the next seven months.


So don't let the bounty of sweet nectar keep you away from these gorgeous flowers - they're wonderful in bouquets and arrangements .

Pictured here is our Repens Guerna in a hand-tied bouquet

with Brunia Albaflora.

Protea Repens - Helen White

Welcome to Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers........

Our World of Flowers!
Our Passion for Flowers!


This blog has been designed to serve as another means for us to share the beautiful, unique and exotic flowers and foliage we see on a daily basis. We hope to inspire you to learn more about Protea and some of the other wonderful flowers we grow.


So on this first day of September let us begin.

Pictured here is Protea King with Protea Fiesta, Red Baron & Susara.

Displayed here are several varieties of Leucospermun or often referred to as "Pincushion Protea", Banksia and Protea Queen, Andrea, Grandecep and Fiesta.


Enjoy these wonderful flowers and pictures and join us as we begin our journey to discover and learn more about these unique Flowers!