Proteas do not die! They dry! The Protea PRO-tee-uh, or the ‘Hawaiianized’ version PRO-tay-uh) is one of the oldest of the
flowering plants dating back over 300 million years. Most Proteas originated in southern Africa and Australia. While there are over 1500 varieties in the wild, only 20-30 make up the majority of commercially grown varieties. Protea comes from the Greek god Proteus who had the unique ability to change shape, a very appropriate name for this incredible, extraordinarily diverse family of flowers. We would love to share some of the unusual exotic
beauty of the magnificent Protea blossoms that grow so well at our mountain farms. 

As briefly as possible, they are banana-likeplants which produce a brightly colored set of bracts which most people think are the flowers. Not. The true flower is tucked inside the bract or flower boat. The bracts come in upright form almost like a claw or hand and as pendant or hanging forms. These are quite large in size.

To the left you see mostly different varieties of Ginger. There is a large protea in the lower right corner.

The Bird of Paradise is a large almost fake looking flower. It resembles a bird and therefore the name applies.It is fabulous in flower arrangements but not good for a bridal bouquet due to the fact that it is not soft enough looking or small enough to fit well. There is a smaller flower that resembles it that is sometimes used for bouquets.

With a year long growing season, this flower ships well in cold weather as well as warm and makes a perfect flower for shipping in the winter months. Each spray is about 12 inches long, with roughly 20 orchid blossoms, each about 2 inches across. Comes in purples, green and white. Dendrobium orchids used to be considered exotic and extravagant but in recent years they have become much more widely available. They still ooze glamour and elegance, with just a couple of stems adding a sophisticated touch to a room