Leucadendron

Leucadendron are a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees known for striking and colourful foliage.

 

With more than 80 species and a range of cultivars, they're a stunning member of the Proteaceae family and originate from South Africa's fynbos region.

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Leucadendron offer a diverse choice for gardeners with shades of red and green to white and yellow. And whether used as focal points in garden beds, as mass plantings or in mixed borders, they bring charm and colour to the garden.

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Their ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and tolerance of dry conditions  make them practical for water-wise gardening and long-lasting foliage and flowers make them ideal for garden displays and cut flowers.

 

They add unique texture and colour to gardens, especially during late winter and early spring when many other plants are in the garden are still dormant.

 

Soil

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• Leucadendron do best in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. You can speak to your local nursery or refer to our PH soil testing guide for more info on understanding what the PH of your soil is.

• Sandy loam or gravelly soils are ideal as they prevent water-logging, that can cause root rot, which leucadendron are not a fan of. If you're not sure what soil type you have, you can refer to our soil guide for more info.

• If you plant your leucadendron in heavy clay soil without any treatment, it will quite likely turn up it's heels and die - and quickly. 

• You can improve your clay soil by adding adding raised soil (such as sandy loam) onto your garden beds, digging in organic matter, compost, coarse sand or grit to enhance drainage and gypsum to break down clay particles and improve structure.

• Putting organic mulch, like bark, wood chips or leaves, around your plants helps keep moisture in, reduces weeds and keeps the soil temperature consistent. As the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. Keep it a few centimetres away from the stems to prevent rot and fungus.

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Sun

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• Leucadendron prefer a location that has full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. 

• Full sun means the plant should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. This exposure is crucial for leucadendron to develop vibrant colours and strong structure. Full sun helps the plant photosynthesise efficiently, leading to healthier and more vigorous growth.

• A north-facing spot in your garden will receive the most sun for most of the day. Most smartphones have a compass app installed or available, that you can use to help find the best north-facing spot in your garden.

 

Planting

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• When: The best times to plant leucadendron are in autumn or early spring as these seasons allows the plants to establish roots before the intense heat of summer or the cold of winter. If you plant in summer, you will need to watch your plant closely to ensure it doesn't dry out.

• Give it a drink: To minimise transplant shock, water your plant about 30 minutes before planting it in the ground. Turn your hose on low and fill the pot with water until it reaches the rim. Allow the water to drain completely. Repeat this process two more times. This ensures the soil is thoroughly moistened and allows the roots to take up water before planting. 

• Dig the hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the root ball. This gives the roots ample space to spread and grow. 

• Backfill: Use either excavated soil or a quality bag of native potting mix, with low phosphorous content to fill around your plant and then gently firm it around the roots to remove air pockets.

• Water it thoroughly: Once planted give it another good drink to settle the soil around the roots. You can also use a seaweed solution such as Seasol or Charlie Carp to reduce plant stress and encourage root growth.

• Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch about 5-10 cm thick around the base of the plant, but be sure to keep it a few centimetres away from the stem to prevent rot and fungal issues. Regularly replenishing the mulch ensures continued benefits and supports the overall well-being of your plants.

 

Watering

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• Watering your Leucadendrons properly is important for their growth. When you first plant them, water thoroughly to help establish strong roots. Once the plants are settled in, usually after a few months, they become quite drought-tolerant and don’t need frequent watering.

• For the first few weeks, check the soil moisture regularly. if the top 5-10cm of soil feels dry, water the plant again.

• Gradually reduce the frequency of watering as the plant starts to establish its roots. After the first month, you can typically start watering less often.

• Watch for signs: Keep an eye on the plant for signs of stress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, which may indicate it needs water.

• Adjust based on weather: During hot, dry weather, you might need to water more frequently. In cooler or rainy periods, reduce watering.

• If you're keeping your plant in the pot for a while until planting, you'll need to monitor it every day. These will need to be watered almost daily in the cooler months and at least once a week in cooler periods.

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Other important things to know

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• Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers such as manure, blood and bone and other fertilisers as they are sensitive to phosphorus. It's also important that you do not plant in garden beds where these fertilisers have been applied previously.

• Do not use mushroom compost as it contains high salt levels , which can be can lead to nutrient imbalances and damage sensitive root systems.

• Most leucadendron species grow between one to three metres tall and spread about one to two metres wide.

• Leucadendron typically take three to five years to reach their full height under optimal conditions and can live for 10 to 15 years.

• They generally bloom from late winter to early spring, with flowers lasting several weeks to months under optimal growing conditions.

• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove spent flower heads and any dead or damaged branches.

• They are generally pest-resistant but can suffer from root rot, leaf spot and scale insects. Like all proteaceae species, they are susceptible to phytophthora, a soil-borne fungus that can be deadly. Good drainage and proper spacing can prevent these issues.

• Yellowing leaves may indicate poor drainage or root rot; black spots suggest fungal infections; sticky leaves can be a sign of scale insects.

• Leucadendron can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Seeds may require pre-treatment for better germination.

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