Safari Sunset Leucadendron

Safari Sunset Leucadendron (Leucadendron laureolum 'Safari Sunset') is a bold, upright South African shrub that grows about 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide. Long stems carry rich maroon-burgundy 'flowers' (really coloured leaves) around true flower cones, and it is famous in floristry across the world.

Why you'll love it

• Rich burgundy colour. The deep maroon-red tops are among the most recognised leucadendron colours, and they last for months.
• A florist's favourite. Long, strong stems make Safari Sunset a classic cut flower, so a few plants keep the vase full through the season.
• Frost tolerant. It copes with frost to -5C, which suits cooler gardens.
• Easy in sunny spots. Once established it is drought tolerant and a very hardy, low maintenance plant.
• Height without width. At 2.5m tall but only 1.5m wide, it fits along a fence where a broad shrub would not.

Where it works best

Hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart in a single row. At that spacing the shrubs close into a tall burgundy screen of about 2.5m.

Back of the border. Use it as a tall background to lower silver, grey or green plants that show off its colour.

Cut flower gardens. A few plants grown in a sunny bed supply armfuls of stems for the vase.

Growing Safari Sunset Leucadendron in Australia

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

Soil. A variety of soil types suit it, but drainage must be good. Plant on a mound on clay.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first four to six weeks, until the plant is established. A low phosphorus native fertiliser is the only feed it needs.

Pruning. Harvest stems for the vase or tip prune lightly after flowering, always cutting to leafy growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Safari Sunset Leucadendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes suit hedges, and the potted packs give a quicker start. Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever there is none, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are back in stock.

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 leucadendrons
• Hedging and screening plants
• More frost hardy plants
• Guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

Are the red parts flowers?

They are coloured leaves (bracts) that surround the true flower cones. The bracts hold their colour for months, which is why the plant is so prized for cutting.

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

Plant 1m apart in a single row. The shrubs are about 1.5m wide, so the plants knit together in a few seasons.

Is Safari Sunset frost hardy?

Yes, it tolerates frost to -5C and drought once established. Choose a sunny, free-draining spot.