Proteas are part of the Fynbos, a specific area at South Africa's Cape. The King Protea is the national flower of SA. I think you will get plenty of information if you look up the specific climate of that region.
I was so tempted to bring home some seeds after a visit in 2007, you would have a hard time not being smitten by these gorgeous and showy blooming plants.
Here are some pics of the Fynbos at the Cape of Good Hope
And some beautiful large Proteas around Swellendam.
