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Return to the South African Native Plants Forum | Post a Follow-Up

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Proteas in Northern California

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Posted by ray1961 9 (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 8, 06 at 11:17

I live at 400 foot elevation in N. Calif. I have successfully been growing a Leucospermum C., Banksia and King Protea in clay pots, all are now in bloom. I'd like to plant in the ground. I am on a hillside and the soil is mostly clay,rock and sand. Summers avg in the 90's, winters low to mid 40's. We get about 18in.of rain Dec-Feb and 2in April-Oct. Would they grow successfully in the ground here? My location would get about 3 hours morning sun, 3 hours late afternoon sun, and dappled shade (native oaks) midday. The soil stays damp in winter, but drains quickly because of sloping. Anyone have any suggestions?

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RE: Proteas in Northern California

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  • Posted by onion z9b/15 Nor Cal (My Page) on
    Mon, Apr 17, 06 at 23:29

Hi there,
I am certainly far from an expert, but it sounds like you know what you are doing, as long as the soil drains well, as you say.

Best wishes with your hillside. And let's get this forum more active!

So, a question for you: Have you been feeding your happy proteas in their pots? I'm growing some leucospermum in pots and they look a bit anemic. I've begun very light doses of blood meal, but I wonder if they need some iron and how to give it to them.

~Onion

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RE: Proteas in Northern California

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Hi Onion & Ray-

I'm growing a number of Protea species in large pots. They seem to be doing very well.

I like an occasional handful of Iron Safe (ammonium & Iron)to combat winter cholorosis. Of course the drawn back with ammonium is that is fairly unavailable at temps. less then 65-70 deg.F.

I haven't taken many pics this spring 'cause everything is so late with this awful weather, but Leucospermums are starting to pop & all is right with world!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Protea Pots

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RE: Proteas in Northern California

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You should be able to grow them in the ground. I had a large Leucospermum in the ground that did fine in San Jose. I amended my soil with acidic planting mix and decomposed granite (for drainage...I'm not on a hillside).

wanda

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RE: Proteas in Northern California

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Onion,
I found a fertilizer that works great. Ozmocote for australian natives. Just follow the directions. I found it at Captitol Nursery in Sacramento.

 
 

 

 


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