Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Leucadendron eucalyptifolium or Gum-leaf conebush

The genus Leucadendron, family Proteaceae, includes some 80 species of shrubs and trees native to South Africa. Some species are: Leucadendron eucalyptifolium, Leucadendron galpinii, Leucadendron discolor, Leucadendron microcephalum, Leucadendron coniferum, Leucadendron meridianum, Leucadendron xanthoconus.

Common names: Gum-leaf conebush, Tall conebush, Yellow star.

They are dioecious evergreen shrubs with a pyramidal shape and rapid growth that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The elegant long and narrow leaves are up to 10 cm (3.93") in length and deep green in color. The scented flowers appear in cones at the tips of the branches: male plants have deep yellow bracts and female plants have fewer bracts (they are less decorative). They bloom from late winter to mid spring. The male cones turn brown and fall but the female cones turn red and are very decorative because they remain on the plant for a long time.

They are used to form bushy groups, on dry and sunny slopes, as isolated specimens, in pots for terraces and patios and as cut flowers. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Leucadendron eucalyptifolium needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist occasional frosts down to -1 ºC (30.2 ºF).

The soil must be sandy to have excellent drainage; use a normal garden soil with plenty of coarse sand and a little organic matter.

Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought well.

Fertilize once in spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

They do not usually need pruning.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity.

They are propagated from seeds sown in a sandy seedbed in autumn (transplant the seedlings after one year) and by cuttings in spring or autumn (use rooting hormones).

Images of the shrub Leucadendron eucalyptifolium or Gum-leaf conebush