Leucospermum

Protea Pincushion Plant – Best Leucospermum Plants In NZ!

Adding colourful shrubs to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Protea Pincushion plants and the right one for your space. Our Leucospermum have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Leucospermum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Leucospermum Questions

1. What is the common name for Leucospermum?

The common name for Leucospermum is pincushion. This is because the flowers of Leucospermum resemble pincushions, with their tightly packed, protruding styles.

Other common names for Leucospermum include:

• Pincushion bush
• Sandveld pincushion
• Conebush
• Silver tree

Leucospermum is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Proteaceae. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in fynbos, a type of Mediterranean shrubland. Leucospermum is known for its showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

2. How long does a Leucospermum flower for?

Leucospermum flowers typically bloom for 2-3 weeks, but some cultivars may bloom for up to 6 weeks. The blooming period will vary depending on the cultivar, the climate, and the growing conditions.

Here are some tips to help your Leucospermum flower for longer:

• Plant it in full sun with a well-drained soil.
• Water your plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Feed your plant in spring and autumn with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

If you follow these tips, you can help your Leucospermum flower for longer and enjoy its beautiful blooms for weeks on end.

3. How big do Leucospermum get?

Leucospermum plants can grow to be quite large, with some cultivars reaching heights of 3 m or more. However, the average size will vary depending on the species or cultivar, the climate, and the growing conditions.

Here are some examples of Leucospermum species and and their approximate sizes:

• Leucospermum cordifolium: 2-3 m tall and wide
• Leucospermum cuneiforme: 1-2 m tall and wide
• Leucospermum glabrum: 1-2 m tall and wide
• Leucospermum 'Fire Fountain': 2-3 m tall and wide
• Leucospermum 'Golden Sunset': 2-3 m tall and wide

To encourage your Leucospermum plant to grow to its full size, plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Feed your plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

4. Are Leucospermum easy to grow?

Leucospermum are relatively easy to grow. They are hardy plants that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for growing Leucospermum:

• Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Feed your Leucospermum in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune your Leucospermum plant as needed to maintain its desired shape.

5. Is Leucospermum a protea?

Leucospermum is not a protea. Both Leucospermum and Protea are members of the Proteaceae family, but they are different genera. Protea is the largest genus in the family, with over 800 species. Leucospermum is the second largest genus, with over 360 species.

Both proteas and Leucospermum are known for their showy flowers and bracts. However, there are some key differences between the two genera. Proteas have flowers that are typically larger and showier than Leucospermum. Leucospermum often have more slender stems and more delicate flowers.

Another difference between proteas and Leucospermum is their geographical distribution. Proteas are native to South Africa, Australia, and New Caledonia. Leucospermum are native to South Africa only.

6. How do you grow Leucospermum?

Leucospermum, also known as pincushion proteas, are stunning shrubs with vibrant, spiky flowers that add dramatic flair to any garden. However, they can be a bit picky about their growing conditions. Here's a guide to help you successfully grow them:

Climate and location:

• Leucospermum thrive in warm climates. They struggle with frost, so if your area experiences freezing temperatures, consider container growing and bringing them indoors during winter.
• Choose a location with full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours a day. They tolerate some light shade in hotter climates.
• Well-draining soil is crucial. Amend your soil with sand, perlite, or pumice if necessary to improve drainage. Leucospermum cannot tolerate soggy conditions.

Planting:

• Soil: Leucospermum prefer acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. You can use a potting mix specifically formulated for acid-loving plants or amend your soil with acidifying fertiliser such as https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants
• Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture.

Care and maintenance:

• Leucospermum require minimal feeding. A light application of an acidic fertilizer once or twice a year during spring or summer is sufficient. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can harm the plant.
• Pruning: Pruning is not essential, but you can lightly prune after flowering to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain the desired shape.
• Pests and diseases: Leucospermum are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too wet.

Leucospermum can be a bit demanding, but their stunning beauty and unique flowers are worth the effort. By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy these captivating shrubs for many years.

7. Can you hard prune Leucospermum?

Hard pruning Leucospermum, also known as pincushion proteas, can be done to manage their size, encourage bushier growth, and promote more flowers, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid harming the plant. Here's a guide:

• The best time to hard prune Leucospermum is after they have finished flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. This gives the plant time to recover and put on new growth before winter.
• You can remove up to one-third of the plant's total height and width.
• Make cuts just above a leaf node, where new growth is likely to emerge.
• Aim for a rounded or vase-shaped silhouette.
• Don't be afraid to be bold! Leucospermum can handle a good amount of pruning.

Aftercare:

• Water the plant deeply after pruning to help it recover.
• Apply a light mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage new growth.

8. How big do Leucospermum get?

The size of a Leucospermum, also known as a pincushion protea, can vary greatly depending on several factors:

• Species and variety: Different Leucospermum species and cultivars have inherent size ranges. For example, some ground-cover types like Leucospermum cordifolium 'Sunshine' stay compact at around 0.5-1 meters (1.5-3 feet), while others like Leucospermum glabrum can reach 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) in height and spread.
• Growing conditions: Light, water, soil quality, and temperature all influence growth. Leucospermum in full sun with optimal soil and watering will generally reach their maximum size potential, while those in less ideal conditions may stay smaller.
• Pruning: Regular pruning can limit the size of a Leucospermum, while hard pruning can drastically reduce it.
• Age: As Leucospermum mature, they naturally grow larger, though the rate of growth may slow down over time.

Here's a general guideline for Leucospermum size:

• Dwarf varieties: 0.5-1 meters (1.5-3 feet) tall and wide
• Small to medium varieties: 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) tall and wide
• Large varieties: 2-4 meters (6-13 feet) tall and wide
• Giant varieties: Up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall and wide

To determine the specific size of your Leucospermum, consider its variety, growing conditions, and age. You can also consult with The Plant Company for specific information about your plant.

Remember, Leucospermum can be stunning regardless of their size. Enjoy their unique beauty and vibrant flowers no matter how tall they grow!

9. Can you take cuttings from Leucospermum?

Yes, you can definitely take cuttings from Leucospermum, also known as pincushion proteas, to propagate new plants for your garden. It's a relatively easy process that allows you to create more of these stunning shrubs with minimal effort. Here's what you need to know:

• Early summer is the ideal time when the new growth is semi-ripe and has some flexibility.
• Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the top third of the plant.
• Look for stems that are about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long and have several leaves.
• Avoid woody or diseased stems.
• Use sharp pruners or a knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving just a few pairs of leaves at the top.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
• Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the mix with a pencil or dibber.
• Insert the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
• Water the pot well until the soil is evenly moist.
• Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• You can cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment but be sure to air it out regularly to prevent mould.
• Rooting should take 6-8 weeks. Once you see new growth, you can gradually harden off the plants and transplant them to the garden in the autumn.

10. How far apart to plant Leucospermum?

The ideal spacing for planting Leucospermum, also known as pincushion proteas, depends on a few factors such as growing conditions, etc, but here's a general guide for spacing them:

• Dwarf varieties: 0.5-1 meter spacing
• Small to medium varieties: 1-2 meter spacing
• Large varieties: 2-4 meter spacing
• Giant varieties: 4-5 meter spacing or more