Leucospermum × hybridum
pincushion hybrids
Garden origin; parent species from the Cape region of South Africa
Overview
Leucospermum x hybridum covers the garden pincushion hybrids, evergreen shrubs in the protea family bred from South African Leucospermum spp. species. Plants form rounded to spreading mounds 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) tall and wide, clothed in leathery gray-green leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, often tipped with small reddish teeth. The flower heads, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) across, are dense domes of tubular flowers from which long curving styles project, giving the look of a pincushion stuck with pins. Heads open in shades of orange, yellow, red, and coral from late winter into spring and draw nectar-feeding birds. The shrubs need a frost-free, dry-summer climate, fast-draining acidic soil, and very low phosphorus, and they decline quickly in heavy, wet, or fertile ground. Roots are sensitive to phosphorus-rich fertilizers and to root-rot fungi in poorly drained soil. The flower heads are long-lasting and used as cut flowers. Plants are hardy only to about 28°F (−2°C) and are short-lived where conditions are not well matched.
Native Range
Leucospermum x hybridum is a group of garden hybrids with no wild range, bred from Leucospermum spp. species native to the Cape region of South Africa. The parent species grow in nutrient-poor, acidic, sandy soils of the fynbos shrubland. Similar Mediterranean and coastal climates elsewhere now grow these hybrids.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry, sunny borders, rock gardens, and coastal plantings in Mediterranean climates, spaced 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) apart. The heads are a long-lasting cut flower used fresh and dried. Plants are grown in large containers of lean, acidic mix where the climate or soil is unsuitable in the ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late winter into spring, mainly from about February to May, with each head lasting several weeks. The long styles emerge in sequence across the dome as it opens. Nectar-feeding birds visit the heads and pollinate them. After bloom, the spent heads are often cut for the vase or removed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
orange, yellow, red, or coralFoliage Description
gray-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
Leucospermum x hybridum needs full sun, a frost-free Mediterranean climate, and fast-draining, sandy, acidic soil at pH 5.0–6.5. Watering is deep but infrequent, with the soil drying between waterings, since wet soil and humidity bring fatal root rot. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers damage the roots, so feeding is limited to low-phosphorus or native-plant formulas, if any. The plants are hardy only to about 28°F (−2°C) and are grown in containers and moved under cover where frost occurs. Good air movement and a gravelly, lean soil reduce disease. Established plants tolerate drought and coastal wind.Pruning
Cutting the flower stems for the vase as the heads open also shapes the plant and encourages branching. A light trim after flowering, taking no more than one-third and never into bare old wood, keeps plants compact. Old wood is slow to resprout, so hard pruning is avoided.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons