Hello....I am growing several in my greenhouse which I keep at 40 degrees or above in the winter both for the proteas and for some vireyas (tropical rhodies). I put them outside in their pots last summer and have had them out again as so as the nights didn't go below 45 although I did protect them from heavy rain until we got to really warm weather. I have 4 proteas: P. cynaroides, P.burchelli, Leucospermum cordifolium, Leucadendron uliginosum all started from seed from a starter pack from Finebushpeople.co.za I have a couple of books on growing proteas and they say that P.cynaroides (King Protea) is the best suited for greenhouse growing because it tolerates a wider range of moisture. I would think they could be grown indoors but they do get very large. Here in the pacific northwest there are a few leucodedrons which are grown outdoors in some of the more protected microclimates around Portland and probably also around Puget Sound. Happy protea growing. jwww

Australian Native Plant Nursery a landmark nursery was burned to the ground by the California Thomas Fire. Jo O'Connell [owner] also lost her home and office. Sad, but she is resolved to rebuild.

There are some good books on Protea, to which Leucadendron belongs, but these are pretty expensive books. Does anyone know of a good plant book with a more general coverage that has extensive photographic coverage of Leucadendron? In general, how fast will Leucadendron's grow? Most references online say it needs a fast-draining soil. If I plant in California native clay soil, but in mounds above the water line, should that be sufficient for drainage? Some sample Leucadendron photos are below. This video on a Protea garden in Australia also shows the remarkable flowers and diversity of Protea.

@Sara Malone Zone 9b WHICH Mediterranean Climate? I've been to "The Mediterranean many times and there are MANY Subclimates just like California. I remember once basking in the warm waters of Greece and enjoying the warm breezes to the mountains of Portugal where I was freezing in shorts and a tube top. Some nice lady from England (also a tourist, but she knew how to dress for Portugal), poured a bunch of whatever was in her flask into my coffee. Anyway, I said that to say this, knowing the variety of the Protea and it's specific needs would help. I find google to be a great friend.