Overview
Leucadendron coniferum is a bushy shrubs in the genus Leucadendron, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leucadendron coniferum 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 coniferum, also known at the dune conebush, is an evergreen, dioecious shrub or small tree of up to 4 m (13 ft) high, that has been assigned to the family Proteaceae. It has a whorl of conspicuous yellow leaves subtending the flowerheads. The flowers can be found in August and September. It grows in sandy soils near the coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is native to Cape Provinces, ZA and Western Cape. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, cut flowers and wall side borders. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucadendron coniferum
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 coniferum 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 coniferum
- 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 coniferum?
Leucadendron coniferum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leucadendron coniferum need?
Leucadendron coniferum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leucadendron coniferum hardy in the UK?
Leucadendron coniferum 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 coniferum?
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Leucadendron genus
- Leucadendron
- Leucadendron 'Goldstrike'
- Leucadendron 'Safari Goldstrike'
- Leucadendron conicum
- Leucadendron linifolium
- Leucadendron 'Burgundy Sunset'PBR
- Leucadendron 'Cream Delight'
- Leucadendron 'Royal Ruby'