Great Design Plant: Conebush

by Annie Thornton · 6 photos · 6 comments

mediterranean landscape by Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Botanical name: Leucadendron (and hybrids)
Common name: Conebush
USDA zones: Vary by species; most plants can withstand temperatures into the low 20s and can handle a light frost.
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Varies with species; typically the size of a large shrub or small tree
Benefits and tolerances: Tolerant of drought and coastal winds
Seasonal interest: Most plants flower winter through spring; attractive folilage
When to plant: In spring after the last frost

Shown: Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset'

by Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

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Distinguishing traits. Conebush's distinguishing attributes ring true in the garden as well as in the home. Hybrids are commonplace and come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Some varieties are shrubbier, while others resemble small trees.

Evergreen, simple leathery leaves in a wide range of hues produce inflorescence (flower clusters) primarily in fall through spring.

Shown: Leucadendron 'Pisa'

by Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

contemporary landscape by debora carl landscape design

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Leucadendron is dioecious, meaning male and female plants are distinct. Female and male floral bracts vary, but foliage and flowers are stunning on both.

Shown: Leucadendron 'Winter Red' and kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos)

by debora carl landscape design

mediterranean landscape by Pat Brodie Landscape Design

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How to use it. Conebush is a sophisticated choice for the temperate landscape. Its foliage complements many other plants, and it is commonly used as a background plant.

Its particular growing requirements dictate where your conebush will thrive. Landscape designer Eileen Kelly says that planting conebush on hillsides or slopes aids drainage and also showcases the depth of its foliage. Smaller plants can also be grown in containers. (Keep in mind that conebush does not transplant well.)

Shown: Leucadendron 'Cloudbank Ginny' (in background), surrounded by breath of heaven (Coleonema 'Sunset Gold'), Beschorneria, parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii), silver spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus) and ground morning glory (Convolvulus sabatius).

by Pat Brodie Landscape Design

mediterranean landscape by Gardens by Gabriel

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Planting notes. Leucadendron is sun loving, drought tolerant and an overall lovely shrub. It can be finicky about conditions and is not the easiest plant to grow. Protect it from intense winds. Promote good air circulation. Maintain well-drained soil. “I like to add perlite or small red lava rock to help with drainage,” says Kelly.

It is also particular about soil types. “Calcium and phosphorus can be detrimental to Leucadendrons, so they should not be fertilized. Adding compost annually around the base provides beneficial nutrients,” says Kelly. Compost is key.

by Gardens by Gabriel

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Every spring, before new growth emerges, prune spent flowers to clean the plant up and promote more flowering. Conebush does not like soil disturbance or being transplanted, so you need to trim only spent flowers — don't cut back the entire stem.

Shown: Leucadendron 'Sylvan Red'

by Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Comments

Stone & Land, LLC Is plant design easier or harder in California? The plants look like much more fun and interesting than the stuff here in Northern Illinois. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the country.

6 months ago · Like

vmarino13 What would cause a 2 year old Leucadendron that had matured beautifully to suddenly begin to die in a stable Central Coast California climate? No changes to water or care. We've lost several Conebushes and Pincushions. Images are attached. Thanks, Vince