Albertinia pincushion

Leucospermum muirii

Scientific name

Leucospermum muirii is a perennial, bushy shrub growing up to 1.5 m tall. The plant grows from a single stem at the base with side branches bearing wedge-shaped to linear leaves. The leaves are a pale grey-green. Yellow flowers are made up of a single bud or borne in a group of up to four flowers. As the flowers mature, they turn orange. The flowering period for the Albertinia pincushion is from July to October. The plants bear nut-like seeds which are released 1 to 2 months after flowering. The bush has an average speed of growth and can live for many years under correct, well-drained conditions.

Propagation instructions

By seed

Sow seed in May. Seed requires warm day and cold night temperatures to germinate. Prepare seed trays containing a well-drained mix of bark and fynbos soil (50:50 mix). Scatter seed on top and lightly cover with river sand. Water in well and use a fungicide treatment. Keep seed tray moist, not wet. Seed germination varies and will sometimes even only germinate the following year. As the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into pots in a well-drained, sandy fynbos mix. Grow on for a year before transplanting into the garden.

By cutting

Take tip cuttings from December to March. Use a rooting hormone and place in a well-drained mix of bark and polyurethane. Cuttings must be kept humid, but not wet. Rooting occurs in approximately five weeks. Harden off rooted cuttings for three weeks and then transplant into pots as for seedlings.