Leucospermum

Pincushion

Evergreen shrubs and small trees; tough leathery leaves are arranged in spirals on stem, often serrated; flowers in inflorescences of yellows, oranges, or reds resemble pincushions with prominent styles.

Uses

Shrubbery, feature plant, tub plant, commercial cut flower crop.

Culture

Prefer freely-draining alkaline soil, sunny position in an open site, keep moist in winter, will tolerate dryness in summer; do not cultivate around roots; do not over-fertilise.

Propagation

Seed or cuttings.

Sow seeds in late summer; require cold nights (4-10 degrees C) and warm day temperatures (15-20 degrees C) to germinate. Otherwise, germinate by soaking seeds in 1% hydrogen peroxide for 1 day and rub off seed coat. Take late summer semi-hardwood cuttings and maintain bottom heat at 24 degrees C. Misting also helps.