About
Leucadendron argenteum, the silver tree, is an upright, pyramidal to columnar evergreen tree with sturdy stems densely clothed in narrow, pointed, silver-hairy leaves to 15 cm long. In spring and summer it produces terminal, spherical flowerheads � yellow-green on males, greenish-silver on females. If pollinated, these develop into silver cones that may remain ornamental for several years. A striking and architectural specimen for a frost-free, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Leucadendron are small evergreen trees and shrubs from the fynbos of South Africa with leathery, stalkless leaves and cone-like clusters of flowers surrounded by large, leaf-like, often colourful bracts. Both male and female plants are needed to produce fruiting cones.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationMay survive outdoors in the mildest areas in a warm, sunny position with poor, neutral to acid, free-draining soil. Otherwise grow in a warm greenhouse in a mix of 3 parts peat-substitute, 3 parts grit or perlite and 1 part lime-free compost. Do not overwater. Feed with half-strength magnesium sulphate and urea in spring and autumn
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free