Exotic Farmers' Market Protea Make for Long-Lasting Centerpieces

It’s no wonder Michael Astone was intrigued by protea and leucospermum blossoms when he first read about them in a book more than 30 years ago—they look as if they came from another planet.

The leucospermum, also known as “Pin Cushions,” looks like bursting fireworks, spindly and orange with fuzzy spores—like something dreamed up by Dr. Seuss. The proteas are more like artichokes that decided they would rather be flowers, their scales coming in various shades of pink, open and fuzzy at the top.

Captivated by these strange shrubs, Astone, who was already working at a winery and a few different nurseries, decided to try his hand at growing some of his own. So in 1981, Astone imported some seeds from South Africa—the native habitat of all sorts of protea, leucospermum and leucadendron shrubs.

“It was a slow process from seeds, because a lot of the seeds weren’t really good. It was a learning experience,” said Astone. “You can spend a lot of time and effort growing them from a seedling and then end up with a shrub that doesn’t flower.”

Lucky for Astone, the sunny slope of his Aptos farm and the warm Mediterranean climate of the Central Coast mimic the subtropical climate of the southern tip of South Africa. The peculiar shrubs couldn’t resist settling in.

“They like well-drained soil and about as much sun as you can give them,” said Astone. The rainy winters and dry summers of our local climate are enough to keep the shrubs nourished, and there is no need to water them in the summer, he said. Astone doesn’t need to use pesticides, either. 

“By not watering and feeding, you don’t bring the bad insects into hyperactivity,” said Astone. The birds and ladybugs keep those aphids and other pesky insects in check, and the hummingbirds and bees in the area take care of the pollination.

Over the years, Michael and his wife, Bettina, have incorporated other exotic shrubs into their repertoire, including the bottle-brushlike banksias from Australia. They sustain their crops by cutting and propagating the plants that are tried-and-true producers of blossoms. Although the blooms are what will initially catch your eye when you’re walking by Astone’s booth, the foliage of the leucadendrons and protea varieties are also striking and make for a dynamic filler in the bouquets.

You can find Astone’s protea at the Aptos Farmers Market every Saturday, where Astone himself has pre-arranged bouquets available. He’ll also put together a customized bouquet if you ask with a smile, which helps those who want an exotic centerpiece but can only spend a certain amount of dollars. The price of these conversation-starter bouquets range from $5-$50, depending on how elaborate you would like to go.

The shrub blossoms have a much longer table-life than most flowers, lasting up to three weeks if the water is changed regularly. Wreaths and floral wedding services are also available. 

The Aptos market is Saturdays year round at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr., from 8 a.m.-noon. The Live Oak Market is Sundays year round at the East Cliff Plaza on Portola Drive, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Astone's Protea is at 7160 Freedon Blvd, in Aptos. Call 831-662-3735  to place an order.