Overview
Leucospermum cuneiforme is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Leucospermum, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leucospermum cuneiforme grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants.
About
Leucospermum cuneiforme is an upright evergreen shrub with many pustules growing on the lower branches, wedge-shaped leaves, and oval, initially yellow flower heads that later turn orange, with long styles sticking far beyond the perianths, jointly giving the impression of a pincushion. It is called wart-stemmed pincushion in English and luisiesbos (lice-bush) in Afrikaans. The species is common in the southern mountains of South Africa. It is native to Cape Provinces, ZA and Western Cape, Eastern Cape. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucospermum cuneiforme
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Leucospermum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Leucospermum cuneiforme size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leucospermum cuneiforme
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Leucospermum cuneiforme?
Leucospermum cuneiforme prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leucospermum cuneiforme need?
Leucospermum cuneiforme grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Leucospermum cuneiforme hardy in the UK?
Leucospermum cuneiforme has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Leucospermum cuneiforme?
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
