Flats Conebush

Leucadendron floridum

Scientific name

As its name implies, the Flats conebush is a wetland species and grows next to streams or in marshy places. In winter its roots are often covered with water. Plant this shrub in groups to add seasonal colour and use its silver foliage to brighten up your garden plantings.It reaches a maximum height of 2m and branches are slender and generally upright. Leaves are long and narrow, 27mm×5mm, and covered in silky hairs that produce a shimmering silver effect as the wind blows through the branches. During spring (September to October) the involucral leaves (the leaves surrounding the bases of flowerheads) turn a vivid yellow illuminating the male and female flowerheads. Up to six involucral leaves per flowerhead curl along the edges and multiple flowerheads are produced on each stem providing a colourful display. Male flowerheads are 14mm×11mm and bright yellow with a faint fruity smell. Female flowerheads are 13mm×9mm and grow into round silver cones that are up to 26mm long. The tiny seeds measure only 4.3mm long and have a ridge running along the surface. They are released in March.

This species requires a spot in full sun and should be placed next to a stream or vlei, or watered regularly if planting it into well-drained soil. The Flats conebush is easy to grow and establish in a garden and simply requires an annual scoop of well-decomposed compost. Plants are fast-growing and require minimal pruning. It can also be grown in a large container.

Propagation instructions

By seed

Sow seed in April when the days are warm and the nights start to cool down (late summer to autumn). Dust the seed with a systemic fungicide. Sow on a well-drained medium, firm down and cover with a layer of sand or finely milled bark. Seed can be sown in an open seedbed, or in a seed tray placed in a sunny position. Germination begins after two to three weeks. Once two true leaves have grown, prick the seedlings out into small bags. Place the seedlings in a lightly shaded area with good air circulation. When plants are ±50-100mm tall, or after one year's growth, they can be planted into the garden.

You can also sow seed directly where you want the plants to grow. Plant, cover lightly with soil, and water.

By cutting

Make cuttings from December to March (summer to autumn). The cuttings should be semi-hardwood, 60-100mm long, and taken from the current season's growth. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone solution or powder and plant them into a medium of 50% polystyrene and 50% finely milled pine bark. Place in a growing house with bottom heat (25ºC). Once the roots are well developed, remove from bottom heat and harden the cuttings off for three weeks. Plant the individual cuttings into small bags and grow on until ready to plant into the garden.