Conebush

Conebush (Leucadendron discolor) is a small, open-branching evergreen shrub from South Africa, growing about 1m tall and wide. Blue-green foliage on pink-red stems looks good all year, and from the end of winter it produces golden-cream bracts tipped in red around a true flower cone of glowing orange-red.

Why you'll love it

• Year round foliage. Firm blue-green leaves on strong, upright pink-red stems give structure in every season.
• A flower cone worth waiting for. Golden-cream bracts cup a cone of orange-red, lasting well on the plant and in a vase.
• Small enough for a pot. Compact growth suits containers, which is useful where your garden soil is alkaline.
• Hardy and low maintenance. It is frost tolerant to -5C and drought tolerant once established.
• Heads that stay ornamental. Spent flower heads can be pruned away to shape the bush, or left on as decoration.

Where it works best

Garden beds and borders. Plant 1m apart as an accent among natives and Mediterranean plants. The blue-green leaves sit well beside greys, silvers and bronzes.

Low hedges. Plant 80cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the shrubs meet in about two to three seasons and make an open, informal low hedge.

Containers. A large pot of acidic, free-draining mix suits a sunny entry and keeps the plant happy in alkaline gardens.

Growing Conebush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is frost tolerant to -5C, which suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. Humid summers are harder, so keep the position airy.

Soil. Free-draining, acid soil is preferred. In alkaline ground, grow it in a pot of acidic mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first four to six weeks, then water through the first year while it establishes and in prolonged dry spells. Avoid phosphorus fertilisers.

Pruning. Remove spent flower heads to shape the bush, cutting back into leafy growth only.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Conebush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and builds its shape over the first season. Flowers usually appear when the plants are two to three years old. Our tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have plants ready. When there are none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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

• Browse our leucadendron range
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

When will it flower?

Flowers usually appear when the plant is two to three years old, from the end of winter. The foliage is attractive in the meantime.

Can I grow it in alkaline soil?

It prefers free-draining, acid soil. In alkaline ground, grow it in a pot with acidic, free-draining mix.

How cold can it go?

It is frost tolerant to -5C once established, so most gardens that see regular frost can grow it.