Overview
Leucadendron is a bushy shrubs in the genus Leucadendron, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leucadendron grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, cut flowers and wall side borders.
About
Leucadendron is a genus of small evergreen shrubs known for their distinctive cone-shaped flower clusters surrounded by large, colourful bracts. These bushy plants have leathery, stalkless leaves and thrive best in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. They prefer well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH and are hardy to UK zone H3. Leucadendron cultivars are suitable for city and courtyard gardens, coastal and cottage settings, and Mediterranean-style borders, offering interest in spring and summer and can also be used as cut flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Leucadendron
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Leucadendron size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Cut flowers, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leucadendron
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Leucadendron?
Leucadendron prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leucadendron need?
Leucadendron grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leucadendron hardy in the UK?
Leucadendron has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Leucadendron?
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Leucadendron genus
- Leucadendron 'Goldstrike'
- Leucadendron 'Safari Goldstrike'
- Leucadendron conicum
- Leucadendron coniferum
- Leucadendron linifolium
- Leucadendron 'Burgundy Sunset'PBR
- Leucadendron 'Cream Delight'
- Leucadendron 'Royal Ruby'