Leucadendrons

We were looking for the most colourful foliage to plant and asked fynbos grower, Arnelia, to identify the five top performing leucadendrons for us.

South Africa has no shortage of Leucadendon species – 80 of them. They are evergreen small trees or shrubs with colourful bracts or cones at their branch tips. From this treasure chest of a dioecious genus (separate male and female plants), breeders took their inspiration by crossing some of them to create very decorative hybrids that are cherished in the cut flower world for their long-lasting stems in the vase.

The good news for gardeners, is that we have easy access to them as well to plant in our gardens or in pots to enjoy for many years. They are adaptable to both summer and winter rainfall regions, are quite easy to grow, and are made for cutting!

How To Grow Leucadendrons

Climatic Conditions

Leucadendrons need full sun to enhance their beautiful foliage colours. All five of them are moderately frost-tolerant once well established. However, young plants should be protected for the first two years against frost.

Soil

Leucadendrons need full sun to enhance their beautiful foliage colours. All five of them are moderately frost-tolerant once well established. However, young plants should be protected for the first two years against frost.

Caution: Fynbos plants like leucadendrons are used to growing in nutrient poor soil and are sensitive to fertilisers. Do not use any soil amendments like phosphates, mushroom compost, chicken, or any other manure.

Watering

Although they are called drought-tolerant, it is only the case when Leucadendrons are very well established in a garden, which can take up to two years. The plants must be watered immediately after planting and frequently afterwards, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In most loamy soils, this means watering twice or three times a week. In very sandy soil with good drainage and in pots with the correct potting medium, plants should be watered daily. Drip irrigation rather than overhead irrigation is preferred as wet foliage increases disease risk.

READ MORE: Find out more about the Leucadendron Sessile here

Mulching

Natural materials like a layer of pine bark, straw, leaves or well-rotted pine needles can be placed around the Leucadendrons to conserve water, keep the roots cool and to reduce weeds. Keep the mulch well away from the stems of the plants to prevent rotting.

Weeds

The area around the Leucadendrons should be kept free of weeds. Never cultivate around the root area, rather pull the weeds out by hand when they are still small. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance

Pruning Tips

To enjoy a plant with a good shape for a long time, it is necessary to do basic pruning:

1. Remove the stems either for the vase or after they have flowered by cutting back leaving 10 – 15cm of each stem with healthy leaves on the plant.
2. Remove some of the thin and curly stems in the centre of the bush to improve light penetration and increase air movement through the plant, thereby reducing pest and disease risk.

Does one have to fertilise at all?

Young plants need no feeding, but the growers advise that established plants will benefit from a feed twice to three times a year in spring, mid-summer and autumn. Recommended fertilisers which are safe to use are Atlantic Fertiliser’s Bio Ganic and Bio Ocean at a dosage of 50 – 100g per plant.

New On The Market

Ayoba® is the product trademark of quality fynbos cut flowers and plants produced locally and marketed world-wide. Ayoba is a South African slang word which means ‘the spirit of awesomeness’. Leucadendron varieties included in this range to look out for are Ayoba® African Pop, Ayoba® African Glow, Ayoba® African Bliss, Ayoba® African Blaze and Ayoba® African Candy.

READ MORE: Learn about the Spicy Conebush (Leucadendron Tincture) here