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Leucospermum spp.

pincushion

Proteaceae Southern Africa (Cape fynbos)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Leucospermum spp. is a genus of about 50 evergreen shrubs in the family Proteaceae, the pincushions, native to southern Africa and centred on the Cape fynbos of South Africa. Plants form upright to spreading shrubs 0.3-2 m (1-6.5 ft) tall, with leathery, often toothed leaves that are grey-green and sometimes hairy. The flower heads are rounded and dense, 5-12 cm (2-5 in) across, with many long styles projecting outward like pins in a cushion, in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. Flowering is mainly in late winter and spring. In their native range the flowers are pollinated by birds, especially sunbirds, and by insects, and the seeds are often dispersed and stored by ants. The genus grows on well-drained, acidic, low-nutrient sandstone soils in a climate of wet winters and dry summers. Like other proteas, plants are highly sensitive to phosphorus and to root disturbance, and require sharp drainage and air movement. They are grown as garden shrubs and cut flowers in Mediterranean and frost-free climates, but are short-lived or fail where soils are rich, alkaline, or poorly drained.

Native Range

Leucospermum spp. is native to southern Africa, with the great majority of species in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa and a few in Zimbabwe and nearby areas. Plants grow on acidic sandstone soils in fynbos shrubland.

Suggested Uses

Grown as flowering shrubs and commercial cut flowers in Mediterranean and frost-free climates, and in coastal and water-wise gardens. The pincushion heads are used in fresh and dried arrangements, and plants are spaced 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) apart.

How to Identify

Recognized by rounded, dense flower heads in which many long styles project outward like pins in a pincushion, in yellow, orange, red, or pink. The leaves are leathery and often tipped with small teeth. The pincushion heads and protea-like form are characteristic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'7"

Width/Spread3' - 8'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering is mainly in late winter and spring, roughly August to November in the southern hemisphere and shifted by season in cultivation. The pincushion heads last several weeks and are long-lasting as cut flowers. Old heads are followed by hard seed.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, orange, red, or pink

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and require acidic, sandy, sharply drained soil low in nutrients, with good air movement. They are highly sensitive to phosphorus, so phosphorus-containing fertilizers are kept away and only low-phosphorus or no feeding is used. Watering is needed through dry spells in the first years, after which plants tolerate summer drought. Most species are frost-tender and grow where winters are mild. Rich, alkaline, or wet soils cause rapid decline through root rot.

Pruning

Light pruning after flowering, including the removal of spent heads, keeps plants bushy and encourages new flowering stems. Cutting flowers for the vase serves the same purpose. Cutting into old bare wood is slow to reshoot.