Protea obtusifolia: Unveiling the Subtle Charm of the Shell Protea

🌸 Protea obtusifolia: The Lime-Green, Winter-Flowering Star The Protea obtusifolia, commonly known as the Limestone Sugarbush, is a robust and highly adaptable species native to the southern Cape of South Africa.2 This resilient evergreen shrub is notable for its exceptional tolerance to alkaline (limestone) soils—a trait rare among Proteas—and its stunning winter bloom. It produces abundant, cup-shaped flowers featuring tough, leather-like bracts in shades of pale lime-green to creamy white, often tipped with deep rose or burgundy. P. obtusifolia is a low-maintenance, architectural specimen perfect for challenging coastal, arid, and xeriscape gardens. Its superior hardiness and ability to thrive in poor, rocky, or alkaline soils make it a reliable choice for providing essential winter color and a rich nectar source for hummingbirds. Botanical Characteristics Characteristic Detail Scientific Name Protea obtusifolia (The Species) Common Names Limestone Sugarbush, Ho