Protea Little Prince - 20cm Pot

Protea ‘Little Prince’ is a compact selection of the iconic King Protea, producing spectacular large flowers on a neat, easy-to-manage shrub. Flowering from autumn through to spring, this hardy variety features striking deep pink blooms with a creamy white centre, creating an eye-catching display when many other plants are slowing down. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens, decorative pots and low-maintenance landscapes throughout Melbourne and south-east Victoria.

The impressive flowers are among the largest produced by compact Proteas, making them a standout feature in the garden and an exceptional cut flower. The evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while the long flowering season ensures months of colour and interest. Its naturally dense habit also makes it suitable for mass planting, low hedging or as a striking specimen in modern native gardens.

Tough and drought tolerant once established, ‘Little Prince’ is well suited to Australia's temperate climate and thrives in sunny, well-drained positions.

Mature size: approximately 1 metre high × 75cm wide

Care & Growing Tips
Plant in a full sun position with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Good airflow around the plant is essential for healthy growth and reliable flowering.

Prefers free-draining, slightly acidic soil. Excellent drainage is critical, particularly in Melbourne's heavier clay soils. If necessary, plant into a raised garden bed or mound and improve drainage with coarse sand or gravel.

Water regularly during establishment, especially through the first summer. Once established, ‘Little Prince’ is drought tolerant and generally only requires occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid overwatering and waterlogged soils.

Feed sparingly in spring and autumn using a low-phosphorus fertiliser formulated for Australian native plants or Proteaceae. Avoid general-purpose fertilisers, animal manures and products high in phosphorus.

Apply a light layer of coarse mulch such as pine bark or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the base of the plant.

Prune lightly after flowering by removing spent flower stems and lightly trimming new growth to maintain a compact shape and encourage future flowering. Avoid cutting back into old bare wood, as Proteas may not reshoot.

Light frost tolerant once established and well suited to Melbourne and other temperate regions with well-drained soils.

Ideal for
– Feature planting
– Native gardens
– Coastal gardens
– Decorative pots and containers
– Low hedging
– Cut flower gardens
– Drought-tolerant landscapes
– Contemporary garden designs