I would avoid planting near a fruit tree, like all Proteaceae it has far-ranging roots that will absorb fatal levels of phosphorous and they don't need a lot of nitrogen. Two nutrients fruit trees typically use in abundance.

Ryan

Thanks for the reply Ryan. I have a strawberry plant, a japanese maple and peach tree - and if I put the new proteaceae in the spot where I have two other native plants are, it will be 2-3 metres away from the fruits and non-natives (on the same bed), rather than 2-3 feet.

Is this far enough?

I wouldn't think it would be a problem. AFAIK, the biggest problem is when the whole root zone is fertilized, I'm not sure if anyone has looked at the effects of roots growing into fertilized area.

Ryan