Protea Australis Ruby

Protea Australis RubyProtea Australis Ruby is a stunning, long lived evergreen shrub renowned for its large, deep ruby red blooms and bold foliage. This hardy Proteaceae variety makes a striking feature in gardens, producing magnificent flowers that are ideal for both display and cutting. With its strong form, long flowering period, and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, its an exceptional choice for low maintenance landscapes. Flowers: Large, cup shaped flowers

Protea ‘Australis Ruby’ is a stunning, long-lived evergreen shrub renowned for its large, deep ruby-red blooms and bold foliage. This hardy Proteaceae variety makes a striking feature in gardens, producing magnificent flowers that are ideal for both display and cutting. With its strong form, long flowering period, and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, it’s an exceptional choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Flowers:
Large, cup-shaped flowers in a rich ruby-red shade appear from late winter to spring. Each bloom is framed by soft, velvety bracts and makes a beautiful cut flower with a long vase life. Flowers are nectar-rich and attract birds, bees, and other pollinators.

Foliage:
Large, leathery green leaves with a slightly glossy surface provide a bold, structural backdrop to the vivid blooms. Evergreen and dense year-round.

Fruit:
Woody seed heads follow flowering, typical of Protea species.

Form and Size:
Upright, rounded shrub growing approximately 1.5–2m high x 1.5–2m wide.

Growing Conditions:
Thrives in full sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Tolerates light frost and coastal conditions. Drought tolerant once established. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.

Uses:
Perfect as a specimen shrub, in native or coastal gardens, or for cut flower production. Works well in mixed borders for year-round structure and seasonal colour.

Maintenance:
Low maintenance. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Feed with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring.

Notes:
A hardy variety bred for strong form and vivid colour. Performs well in nutrient-poor soils and exposed sites.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other Proteaceae such as Leucospermum, Leucadendron, and Banksia, as well as ornamental grasses and succulents.

Common Name: Australis Ruby Protea
Botanical Name: Protea ‘Australis Ruby’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Cultivar, garden hybrid