Blooming Orange Pincushion

Blooming Orange Pincushion (Leucospermum cordifolium 'Blooming Orange') is a rounded evergreen shrub of about 1.5m with bright orange pincushion flower heads through spring and early summer. It is a South African fynbos plant that suits gardeners with a sunny, free-draining spot and a taste for bold colour.

Why you'll love it

• Vivid orange blooms. Round heads of curling styles look like glowing pincushions held above the foliage.
• Attracts wildlife. Honeyeaters and native bees feed on the nectar.
• Drought tolerant. A deep root system carries it through dry spells once established.
• Handles wind and salt. Leathery leaves cope with exposed coastal positions.
• Cut flower. The heads hold well in water.

Where it works best

Dry borders. Plant 1.5m apart in a sunny border with leucadendrons and ornamental grasses.

Coastal gardens. Sandy, free-draining soil and sea breezes suit it well.

Mounds and rockeries. Planting above ground level protects it from waterlogging, its main enemy.

Growing Blooming Orange Pincushion in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun with good airflow. It prefers Mediterranean, warm temperate and cool temperate climates. In humid subtropical and tropical gardens it often fails from root and leaf diseases.

Soil. Acidic, sandy or gravelly, and perfectly drained. Avoid clay and lime.

Water and feed. Keep moist through the first year, then water sparingly. Use only low-phosphorus fertiliser. Mulch lightly with a coarse material.

Pruning. Cut flower stems after blooming to tip prune. Do not cut into old bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

This line comes as tube stock, one young plant per tube, sold singly, and as 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is the budget way to grow a plant on, though it needs a sheltered spot and careful watering for its first months. The 200mm pots establish faster. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Leucadendrons for the same position
• Drought tolerant plants
• Bird attracting plants

Common questions

Which size should I choose?

Tube stock is economical and adapts well but needs care. The 200mm pot gives a head start.

Can I use general garden fertiliser?

No. Phosphorus can damage pincushion roots, so use a low-phosphorus fertiliser.

Will it grow in a pot?

Yes, in a large pot with sandy, acidic mix, though ground planting is more reliable.

Does it attract birds?

Yes. Honeyeaters and native bees visit the nectar-rich flower heads in spring and early summer.

How do I water it?

Keep the soil evenly moist in the first year, then water deeply but sparingly. Never leave it standing in wet soil.