Superstar Leucadendron

Superstar Leucadendron (Leucadendron salignum 'Superstar') is a small, open branching evergreen shrub from South Africa, growing 1 to 1.5m tall and wide. In winter its long stems carry cream and pink 'flowers' (really coloured bracts) around lime green flower cones, set among bright green leaves. It is frost tolerant to minus 5C and needs little care once established.

Why you'll love it

• Winter colour. The cream, pink and lime display arrives when most gardens are quiet.
• Frost tolerant to minus 5C. It takes cold nights in its stride once established, so it suits cooler and inland gardens.
• Drought tolerant and low maintenance. Once established it needs little water, feeding or fuss.
• Compact and evergreen. It holds its foliage all year in a shrub that stays about 1.5m high and wide.
• A cut flower plant. The long stems are excellent for the vase.

Where it works best

Garden beds and borders. Use it in groups of three or five for a block of winter colour, ideally against dark or silver foliage.

Low flowering hedges. Plant 1m apart for a loose, informal hedge 1 to 1.5m tall.

Containers. A large pot of free draining mix suits it, as long as the drainage is sharp.

Growing Superstar Leucadendron in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It does best in warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens and tolerates frost to minus 5C. In humid subtropical districts, choose an airy spot with sharp drainage, because wet, humid summers are its weak point.

Soil. It suits a variety of soil types, but the soil must be well drained. A slightly acid soil suits it best, so avoid lime.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly during the first 4 to 6 weeks, or until the plant is established. After that it is drought tolerant. Like other members of the protea family it dislikes phosphorus, so use a low phosphorus native fertiliser if you feed at all.

Pruning. Cutting stems for the vase doubles as pruning. Otherwise tip prune lightly after the colour fades, and do not cut back into bare, leafless wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Superstar Leucadendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, leafy plant that will colour up as it matures. Plant it out soon after arrival in a sunny, well drained spot, mulch it, and water it regularly for the first few weeks.

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 the leucadendron range
• More frost hardy plants
• Drought tolerant plants
• Banksia care guide for a matching planting

Common questions

Are those the real flowers?

The cream and pink parts are coloured bracts. The true flowers are the lime green cones in the centre of the leaves.

Is it frost hardy?

Yes, to minus 5C once established. Give very young plants some shelter from hard frost in their first winter.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, in a free draining mix with a low phosphorus fertiliser. Water regularly while it establishes, then reduce.