Australis Ruby – A Long-Awaited Bloom
There’s something extra special about the first flower on a plant you've nurtured for years. And this month at G’s Lane, we’re celebrating just that—our Protea Australis Ruby is flowering for the first time, nearly three years after it was planted out.
Of all the varieties we've grown, this one has taken the longest to bloom. But that makes the moment even more rewarding.
It hasn’t been an easy road for these bushes, either. Earlier this year, when Cyclone Alfred swept through Queensland, the Australis Ruby plants took a real hit. While other varieties stayed upright, these ones were left leaning right over, nearly touching the ground. At that point, they had only small buds, and I honestly didn’t hold out much hope for them to survive, let alone flower.
I staked them as best I could and crossed my fingers.
Now, a few months on, those small buds have developed into healthy, forming blooms. It’s a bit of a miracle and a wonderful reminder of just how resilient nature can be when given the chance.
Watching the Australis Ruby finally show off its first flowers has made all the effort, patience, and worry worthwhile. We’re looking forward to seeing these beauties reach their full bloom and add another stunning variety to our growing field of Proteas.
Farming can be unpredictable, but moments like this are pure joy.
Until next time,
The team at G’s Lane