Leucospermum cuneiforme
wart-stemmed pincushion
Southern and southwestern Cape, South Africa
Overview
Leucospermum cuneiforme is a dense, bushy evergreen shrub in the Proteaceae family, growing 5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 m) tall and wide, occasionally to 10 feet (3 m). The leaves are wedge-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, grey-green, with a few small teeth at the broad tip. Rounded flower heads 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across open golden-yellow and age to orange, the long protruding styles giving each head the look of a pincushion. The lower branches are covered in raised warty pustules, a feature that identifies the species. Flowering runs from late winter through spring into midsummer. After fire, the plant resprouts from a woody rootstock, unlike many pincushions that are killed by fire. It is native to the southern and southwestern Cape of South Africa and grows on well-drained, acidic, sandy or rocky soils. Like other Proteaceae, it is sensitive to high soil phosphorus, and it needs sharp drainage and air movement to limit root and fungal disease. It tolerates light frost to about 27F (-3C) and coastal wind. The cut flower heads are grown commercially for the florist trade.
Native Range
Leucospermum cuneiforme is native to South Africa, occurring across the southern and southwestern Cape from coastal flats to lower mountain slopes. It grows on acidic, sandy or rocky soils in fynbos vegetation.Suggested Uses
Grown as a feature shrub in low-water and coastal gardens and in cut-flower plantings, spaced 5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 m) apart. It suits sloping, sharply drained sites in mild-winter climates. The long-stemmed heads are used fresh in floral arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4'11" - 6'7"
Width/Spread4'11" - 6'7"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-yellow ageing to orangeFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in sharply drained acidic sandy or gravelly soil at a pH of 5.0-6.5. Water needs are low once established, and the plant withstands dry summers and coastal wind. Soil phosphorus is kept low, as Proteaceae are prone to leaf scorch and root damage from high-phosphorus fertilisers. Air movement and rapid drainage limit Phytophthora spp. root rot, the main cause of sudden death. It tolerates light frost to about 27F (-3C) but not hard freezes.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering, cutting stems back to a leafy node, keeps the shrub bushy and supports the next season's flower heads. Because it resprouts from a woody rootstock, it tolerates harder cutting back than most pincushions. Harvesting flower stems serves as routine pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons