Growing Leucadendron Like a Pro Is Easier Than You Think—Here's How

Leucadendrons are low-maintenance plants in the Proteaceae family. The Leucadendron genus encompasses over 80 species and is native to South Africa, particularly the sandy coastal areas of Kwazulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Central Cape, and Western Cape.

In other parts of the world, leucadendrons, also called cone bushes, are used to add stunningly colorful foliage and striking flowers to outdoor landscaping in environments equally as sandy and sunny.

While they are perfect for growing outdoors, in pots, or containers, they thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. These drought-tolerant plants enjoy full sun exposure and well-drained, acidic soil. Although a few varieties can grow to tree height, most are shrubs rising to just 4 to 6 feet tall.

Leucadenron Care

Here are the primary care requirements for growing Leucadendron:

• Plant in well-draining acidic soil with full sun exposure

• Place in a warm, humid environment with good air circulation.

• Water infrequently. They are drought-resistant and can survive with minimal watering.

• Remove spent blooms as they occur to encourage dense growth.

• Keep the plant renewed by pruning woody stems.

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Light

Leucadendrons thrive in sunlight. The more sun exposure, the more the flowers bloom. They can endure around 4 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure and intense sunlight each day. Outdoors, partial shading from overhead tree cover can offer some relief, as can porches and pergolas. While they will still grow if planted under shade, the blooms will tend to be less vivid in color.

These plants enjoy outdoor conditions but if you plan to place any indoors, place them in open, sunny spots with plenty of air circulation. Consider placing them in sun-facing windows or adding grow lights if indoor light doesn't suffice.

Soil

Well-draining sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil is ideal and mimics the ground conditions in its natural environment. It should also be acidic, with a pH of 6 or lower. To acidify higher-pH soil, add peat moss and sulfur. Leucadendrons enjoy nutrient-poor soil, so there's no need to fertilize or compost.

Raised beds or mounds increase the chances of survival when planting in outdoor gardens. Though it's not required, mulch can help protect the roots and maintain moisture levels in fluctuating climates.

Water

These plants have low water requirements. In the first year, they may need water about once weekly, especially during dry periods or when budding or flowering. Of course, if they're exposed to excessive amounts of sun, then more frequent watering may help blooming flowers sprout and grow brighter. But be careful not to waterlog these plants that are accustomed to well-draining soils, with clay, sand, and silt deposits, in their natural habitat.

Young potted plants may dry out faster, so water them more often—deeply once a week instead of lightly every day. Always water at the base to avoid foliar diseases. Mulch once a year to control weeds and conserve moisture.

Temperature and Humidity

Leucadendrons do well in coastal areas and thrive in warm, humid environments with good air circulation. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 85°F. However, they can endure nighttime or winter temperatures as low as 35°F.

Different varieties enjoy the coastal conditions more so than inland but, generally, leucadendrons can thrive in microclimates with good ventilation and moderate humidity.

They struggle with cold and frost. While some leucadendron species may survive at low temperatures for a short time, the plant can suffer substantial damage.

Fertilizer

Leucadendrons have a root system that quickly absorbs nutrients and usually doesn’t require fertilizer. High-nitrogen fertilizers are not recommended for these plants because they can spur unwanted or excessive overgrowth. However, these plants flourish with small amounts of slow-release fertilizer formulated specifically for native plants.

Small amounts of compost can help them thrive, but it's best to apply it only when planting. Throughout their lives, leucadendrons adapt to rather barren environments and fluctuating climate conditions without much intervention.

Types

Originally from South Africa, there are about 80 species in the Leucadendron genus. Here are several popular types of Leucadendron:

• 'Red Gem': This variety features a medium-sized shrub with red-tipped green leaves that may appear bronze in late fall. It blooms into striking, deep red and bronze flowers.

• 'Devil’s Blush': These have a vibrant red color and are ideal for gardens and pots.

• 'Safari Sunset': Also referred to as the gold standard of leucadendrons, this type produces gorgeous burgundy red flowers.

• 'Burgundy Sunset': This variety features dark burgundy foliage and flowers throughout autumn and winter and is ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

• 'Gypsy red': This leucadendron features a medium-sized dense shrub with striking dark red foliage and flowers in autumn and winter.

Pruning

The best time to prune is late spring or after flowering. During flowering, remove spent blooms to encourage more blooms. To prune cut green stems so that at least four leaves are left.

Always cut where there are healthy leaves and growth. If you cut where there are no leaves or cut so far back that you reach the woody leafless part of the stem, the plant will not re-shoot

Propagating Leucadendron

Leucadendron can be propagated using stem cuttings. Here's how to do it:

1. You will need a 12-inch semi-ripe stem cutting, rooting hormone, and well-draining acidic soil. If you are using a pot, ensure you have a well-draining pot mix and a container with good drainage.

2. Remove foliage from the bottom half of the cutting, dip it in a rooting hormone, and insert it into the soil.

3. If you are using a pot, use a propagating bed or growing mat to ensure heat delivery to the bottom of the pot and mist, as warmth and humidity are crucial for the cutting to root.
   

How to Grow Leucadendron From Seed

To grow leucadendron from seed, follow these steps:

1. Sow seeds indoors in native plant potting mix, leaving smaller seeds uncovered and larger ones lightly covered.

2. Cover the container in a plastic bag and place it in a warm area with some light but not full sun.

3. When the seeds germinate and grow roots, remove the bag and transplant them into individual pots or the garden.

Potting and Repotting

Plant leucadendron in a pot with good drainage filled with a well-draining potting mix explicitly formulated for acid-loving plants, and place it in a sunny spot.

As a houseplant, place leucadendron near a bright, sunny window—overwinter outdoor potted plants indoors in a warm environment. Repot Leucadendron once a year in spring.

Overwintering

Leucadendrons do not like extreme cold climates, so plant only in areas that avoid frost pockets and cold winds. Use frost cloth or blankets to shield young plants or overexposed ones, especially at night. If you have a covered porch or greenhouse, shelter them there during the harshest cold seasons.

Mulch with wood or straw to reduce moisture loss, prevent root damage, and insulate the soil.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Root rot is the primary concern for Leucadendron. However, if the plant has good air circulation, it hardly ever has pest or disease problems. Watch out for powdery mildew, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites, which may appear during the summer months.

How to Get Leucadendron to Bloom

These hearty plants can thrive in many different environments, so nailing down blooming months is nearly impossible. Some species bloom all year round, with slightly more prominent peak months.

Patience goes a long way with leucadendron, which can take years to flower. Even throughout their lifetimes, their flowers may not bloom every year, especially if they are under stress.

They typically require a chilling period between 32°F and 45°F to initiate flowering. Ongoing pruning can help reduce overcrowding, and full sunlight is needed for most leucadendrons to produce flowers.

Read the original article on The Spruce.