Leucadendrons
Leucadendrons colour up when the rest of the garden is quiet. Through autumn, winter and spring the leafy bracts at the tip of every stem turn red, gold, cream or burgundy, and they hold for months on the bush or in a vase. They are evergreen shrubs from South Africa in the protea family, built for sun, wind and poor sandy soil. This range covers compact and tall forms in several colours. Every plant is delivered Australia wide.
Leucadendron ‘Gold Strike’ Leucadendron ‘Gold Strike’
50% offFrom $22.95$45.95Unit price /Unavailable-
Leucadendron Strawberries and Cream Leucadendron salignum 'Strawberries and Cream'
From $15.95Unit price /Unavailable -
Leucadendron ‘Purple Haze’ Leucadendron ‘Purple Haze’
50% offFrom $22.95$45.95Unit price /Unavailable -
Leucadendron Amethyst Leucadendron salignum 'Amethyst'
From $15.95Unit price /Unavailable -
Leucadendron Cheeky Leucadendron 'Cheeky'
From $15.95Unit price /Unavailable -
Leucadendron ‘Devils Blush’ Leucadendron ‘Devils Blush’
50% offFrom $22.95$45.95Unit price /Unavailable
More information
How to choose a leucadendron
Pick by colour and height. Gold Strike is the tallest here at about 2m, with bright yellow bracts in winter and spring. Devils Blush grows to 1.5m with deep red tips. Strawberries and Cream has variegated foliage that flushes pink and cream, a feature even out of season. Amethyst carries burgundy purple foliage on a 1.2m plant, Purple Haze is similar in tone on a slightly larger shrub, and Cheeky is a compact red at about 1.3m. All are selections of Leucadendron, also called conebush.
Where leucadendrons work
They need full sun, moving air and soil that drains freely. Sandy and gravelly soils suit them; heavy wet clay does not. They handle coastal wind and dry summers well and take light to moderate frost. Humid, wet summer climates are harder: in the subtropics plant on a mound in an open spot. Use them as a low screen, a feature shrub or a cutting hedge. They pair well with other drought tolerant plants and in coastal gardens.
Planting and spacing
Space plants 1m to 1.5m apart. Plant slightly high, do not disturb the roots and do not add fertiliser or manure to the hole. Mulch with bark or gravel, keeping it clear of the stem. Water weekly through the first summer, then only in long dry spells.
Care basics
Like proteas and many natives, leucadendrons are sensitive to phosphorus. Feed only if needed, with a low phosphorus native fertiliser. Prune after the bracts fade in late spring by cutting flowered stems back by about half, always leaving green leaves below the cut. Picking stems for the house does the same job. They sit comfortably beside the natives in our Australian native shrubs.
Common questions
When do leucadendrons colour?
From autumn through winter into spring, depending on the variety. The colour is in the bracts, which last for months.
What fertiliser do leucadendrons need?
Very little. If you feed, use a low phosphorus native fertiliser. Standard garden fertilisers can harm them.
How long do cut leucadendron stems last?
Two weeks or more in a vase, and they also dry well.
Can leucadendrons grow in pots?
Yes, compact forms do well in a large pot with a native potting mix and a sunny, airy position.
