PROTEAS

South African and Australian Beauties in Ramona

STORY BY CAROLINA LEAP

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM CONNELLY & CAROLINA LEAP

Driving into Ramona, one can’t help but notice some towering trees with their prominent mustard-orange flowers.

Those who know their trees will tell you they are called “silk oaks.” But they are definitely not oak trees. They are grevilleas, which are in the family of proteas. Yes, proteas, which you can grow right here in Ramona.

Indigenous to South Africa and Australia, proteas have made their way into many Southern California gardens through the exporting of these exotic plants back in the 1970s. The family of protea is very expansive, with about 14 genera and 1,600 species. These magnificent plants are among florists’ favorites, not only for their beauty, but also for their longevity and usefulness in dried flower arrangements. A typical bouquet may last as long as three to six weeks, or more.

Though proteas are quite pricy, they are still highly desired by avid gardeners, who travel far to find varieties to add to their gardens. The beauty and rarity of the Arctic Ice White King protea are attractive to brides who dream of holding a bouquet of them.

THESE MAGNIFICENT PLANTS ARE AMONG FLORISTS’ FAVORITES, NOT ONLY FOR THEIR BEAUTY, BUT ALSO FOR THEIR LONGEVITY AND USEFULNESS IN DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.

That’s why it’s good to know we have several protea farms in San Diego County, including one right here in Ramona.

Kevin Brixey has been growing banksias, lecospermums, leucodendrons, grevilleas, hakeas and mallee eucalyptus since he moved from Australia to the Highland Valley area of Ramona in 2000. His nursery, aptly named “Outback,” has expanded to include several varieties of dragon fruit.

Brixey has planted roughly 10 of his 16 acres with thousands of protea varieties, creating an abundance of color throughout the property. And if that weren’t enough, he also runs sheep and llamas on the farm.

He supplies cut flowers to Resendiz Brothers, the largest grower and exporter of proteas in California. Farmstand 67, located at 16827 Highway 67, also sources most of its cut flowers from Brixey’s farm.

Protea plants may be hard to find, but they are occasionally available at local nurseries and farmers’ markets.

Whether you are curious about proteas or hope to try your hand at growing them, local resources, such as Walter Andersen and Farmstand 67, are ready to help you start a small garden or create a fresh-cut bouquet. n

Kevin Brixey, owner of Outback nursery.