Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Fynbos and Proteas
Indigenous | Moderate Care | Fynbos and Proteas
Leucadendrons, or conebushes, are the most garden-friendly plants in the protea family. They are generally more forgiving of soil conditions than proteas and leucospermums, and several cultivars tolerate slightly alkaline soils, which makes them more viable for St Francis Bay gardens.
They are grown primarily for their colourful leaf bracts, which surround the central cone and flush with colour (gold, red, bronze, pink, cream) in the cooler months, giving them a long season of interest. The male and female flowers are on separate plants (some nursery cultivars are selected forms of one sex). They make excellent cut foliage and the dried cones are used in arrangements. They handle wind, salt air and coastal exposure well.
1 to 2.5 m depending on variety.
Moderate to fast.
Fynbos garden, mixed indigenous border, colour accent (especially in autumn and winter), cut foliage, slope or bank planting.
Full sun with good air circulation.
Well-drained, sandy, preferably acidic soil. Leucadendrons are more tolerant of slightly neutral to alkaline conditions than proteas and pincushions, which makes them the best entry point into the protea family for coastal gardeners. Still avoid rich compost and high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Water while establishing. Drought-tolerant once settled. Good drainage is essential.
Low-phosphorus fynbos fertiliser only, or no feeding. They do not need rich soil.
Prune when harvesting foliage for arrangements, or tip-prune after the main colour display to keep the plant bushy and well-shaped. They respond well to light pruning.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
