About
Leucadendron salignum, the common sunshine conebush, is a bushy, compact evergreen shrub to around 1.5 m with red stems clothed in glossy, green-flushed-red, willow-like leaves. Greenish-yellow to orange-red floral bracts are produced from late spring through to autumn, giving a long season of ornamental colour. A popular and easy-care Leucadendron for a sunny, well-drained, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Leucadendron are small evergreen trees and shrubs from South Africa producing cone-like clusters of flowers surrounded by large, leaf-like, often colourful bracts � male and female flowers on separate plants. Excellent ornamental plants for mild, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationIn milder and frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, neutral to acid soil, in full sun in a warm, dry position such as a courtyard or against a south-facing or west-facing wall; in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, in a mix of lime-free potting compost and grit, in full light and low humidity. Water moderately during the growing season and sparingly in winter
PruningPruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free