Care of the shrub Leucadendron meridianum or Limestone conebush |
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The genus Leucadendron, family Proteaceae, includes some 80 species of shrubs and trees native to South Africa. Some species are: Leucadendron meridianum, Leucadendron microcephalum, Leucadendron eucalyptifolium, Leucadendron galpinii, Leucadendron discolor, Leucadendron coniferum, Leucadendron xanthoconus. They are highly branched evergreen shrubs from a single stem that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The elongated leaves are silky in texture and deep green in color. The flowers are silver cones with bright yellow bracts. They bloom in late winter. They are used in rockeries, in shrubby groups, to cover dry and sunny slopes and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The Leucadendron meridianum needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. Frost resistant to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF). The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with plenty of coarse sand and a little organic matter. Planting is done in early spring. They are plants that resist drought well and need moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. They do not need fertilizer. They do not usually need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in autumn and by cuttings. |
Images of the shrub Leucadendron meridianum or Limestone conebush |
 Leucadendron meridianum  Leucadendron meridianum  Leucadendron meridianum |