While choosing the flowers for your big day, it’s important to look for blooms that are unique, beautiful and meaningful – just like your love! Typically measuring up to 12 inches wide, the protea is an eye catching flower that is perfect for a bold bouquet or spicing up minimalist decorations. It’s known for its lively, colorful presence and comes in colors such as red, orange and pink.
With over 1,600 species of the protea flower, it can be hard to choose just one to love. In this post, FTD highlighted the most commonly used proteas in weddings, along with creative and colorful styling ideas for centerpieces and bouquets. Take a look at these ideas for a wedding flower that is sure to make a lasting impression on your guests!
Protea Flower Types
There are over 1600 species of protea. Because of how diverse they are, the genus was named after Proteus, a Greek god who would morph into many shapes These five types of protea are popular in wedding bouquets:
King Protea – The king protea has the largest flower head. It looks like a large white bulb with pink, pointy petals sticking up around it. Its size typically ranges from 8 to 12 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 feet tall.
- Queen Protea – The queen protea has the second largest flower head, ranging from 6 to 8 inches. It’s known for its black-tipped center. Its petals tend to hug the center more closely than the spiky petals of the king protea.
- Pink Ice Protea – The pink ice protea is popular for weddings because of its bold color. It’s typically brighter and slightly smaller than the queen protea. This makes it a good choice for those who want a flower with texture that doesn’t overwhelm the bouquet.
- Pincushion Protea – The bold pincushion protea looks like many thin pins are sticking out of it, giving it a very unique appearance. It comes in bright yellow, orange and red, making it perfect for a statement bouquet.
- Blushing Bride – Measuring only inches wide, these delicate flowers are great accents to bouquets. They’re also good for corsages and boutonnieres. They are named for their pink “blushing” center that pokes out from among the petals.
Protea Flower Bouquet Ideas
Since protea flowers come in a range of colors, they lend themselves to both bold, bright bouquets and bouquets with muted tones. Add greenery, baby’s breath and soft pink flowers to play up the color and texture of the protea, or surround it with bright colors for a bouquet that pops!
Top left photo by: Junebug Weddings | Top right photo by: Bridal Musings | Top middle photo by: Belle The Magazine | Bottom middle photo by: Mon Cheri Bridals | Bottom left photo by: Green Wedding Shoes | Bottom right photo by: Ruffled Blog
Protea Flower Centerpiece Ideas
The size of proteas make them a great focal point for centerpieces. Complement them with unique vases and terrariums, or put them directly on the table among greenery for a unique floral table runner.
Top left photo by: The Wedding Scoop | Top right photo by: Wedding Chicks | Middle photo by: Southbound Bride | Bottom left photo by: Ivy Road Photography
These tropical blooms are sure to give you a unique idea for your wedding bouquet. Whether you use the king protea to make a statement or opt for the smaller pink ice protea to give your bouquet a pop of color, your wedding flowers will definitely make a lasting impression on your guests!
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