Hawaii Flower Guide
Protea
Protea is a long-lasting flower that can look good for weeks in a vase and still keep its shape when dried. In Hawaii, these bold blooms are prized for floral arrangements, dried displays and sunny upland gardens.
Protea Overview
Protea is a long-lasting flower often used in floral arrangements and dried displays. Fresh protea can look good for weeks in a vase, and the bloom can keep its form after drying, which makes it useful for arrangements that need to last.
The flower's native range includes South Africa and Australia. In Hawaii, proteas grow best in sunny upland areas where the conditions are drier and cooler than many lowland tropical gardens.
Flowers, Form and Arrangements
One of the most interesting protea details is that each blossom is made up of several individual flowers. These small flowers include brightly colored stamens and pistils, which help create the bold texture people notice in protea blooms.
Protea looks different from many softer Hawaii flowers. Instead of delicate petals and a light lei-style form, it has a strong shape, firm texture and long vase life. That makes it especially popular for bouquets, centerpieces and dried floral pieces.
In Hawaii, protea adds a striking upland flower style to the broader mix of tropical blooms. Related Hawaii flower pages include Bird of Paradise, heliconia, ginger and plumeria.
