Leucadendron discolor Seeds
South African Endemic Flowering Shrub
Leucadendron is a South African endemic genus in the Protea family, Proteaceae. The genus consists of about 80 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. They are a prominent part of the fynbos ecoregion and vegetation type. Most species are shrubs that grow up to 1 m tall, some to 2 or 3 m. A few grow into moderate-sized trees up to 16 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, entire, and usually green, often covered with a waxy bloom, and in the case of the Silvertree, with a distinct silvery tone produced by dense, straight, silky hairs. This inspired the generic name Leucadendron, which literally means "white tree". The flowers are produced in dense inflorescences; they are dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The seed heads, or infructescences, of Leucadendron are woody cone-like structures. This gave rise to their generic common name cone-bush. They are prized for their exotic-looking attractive flowers, cones and foliage. Leucadendron blossoms make excellent cut flowers, keeping their gorgeous red, burgundy, green or yellow color for up to three weeks. In the garden they do well in rockeries and also make excellent feature plants. Consider the sunlight and soil requirements of your Leucadendron when selecting a planting location in your garden or home landscape. Look for a spot that receives bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours each day and offers excellent soil drainage. Leucadendron species perform best when planted on slopes that allow excess water to drain safely away from the plant. Pruning and shaping should be done each year in spring. This will help to keep the plant strong and compact. You should only cut the stems that held the blooms during or after flowering. When you cut, leave about 10-15cm of stem behind on the bush. This is where they will re-shoot. Leucadendron species grow very well in pots. This may be a good option for those with a heavy clay soil or a small garden. Use a potting mix for natives and add a slow-release fertilizer for natives in spring and autumn. As the potting mix is very free-draining regular watering will be required. Leucadendron discolor commonly known as Piketberg Conebush, Gold Flame Tips or Red Conebush in English and Rooi-tolbos in Afrikaans has been extensively used in producing hybrid plants for use as cut flowers. It has been crossed with Leucadendron salignum, Leucadendron conicum, Leucadendron laureolum and Leucadendron gandogeri, to name a few. For most of the year Leucadendron discolor is a grey-green filler, best planted towards the back of the shrubbery. During spring it comes alive with colour and adds a splash of bright yellow and red to the garden. Leucadendron discolor requires a hot, sunny position with well-drained acidic soil. Add a scoop of well decomposed compost at planting and water well for the first year.
