Leucospermum, also known as Pincushion Protea, is a South African shrub admired for its distinctive globe-like flower heads. These striking blooms come in vibrant hues, adding exotic flair to your garden while supporting local pollinators. It's a great choice for both beauty and ecological value in your landscape.
Planting Calendar
The best time to plant Leucospermum is late winter and spring.
Harvest In
Flowers from spring-summer.
Prepare
Leucospermums come in various forms, ranging from low ground covers to small trees, each adorned with vibrant, pincushion-like flowers at the tips of their branches. They are perfect choices for coastal gardens. Leucospermum can serve as a stand-alone specimen in your garden especially in rockeries. Leucospermum also make great cut flowers lasting in the vase for weeks.
Position
Leucospermums need full sun to be at their best. They prefer some space of their own and do not like to compete for space.
Soil
Leucospermums require a poor soil that is acidic, drainage must be impeccable for these guys to grow well.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball, taking care not to damage the roots. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole. Add sand or fine pumice the soil to improve drainage. The addition of Peat will help tp provide acidity. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
During the first summer provide one deep watering per week during periods of prolonged drought. To much water can cause root rot.
Feeding
Leucospermum do not tolerate or require fertiliser. They thrive in acidic soils that have a low nutrient content. DO NOT fertilise or plant near other plants that have been fertilised as water can carry the nutrients to them.
Protecting
Protect from frost in frost prone areas.
Mulching
Mulch in spring and autumn with peat. Make sure to keep the peat away from the base of the stem.
Spraying
Generally pest free spraying should not be needed.
Pruning
Prune back well once flowering has finished to encourage a good flowering the following year. Picking of flower stems for floral work will help encourage new growth.
Beginner Tip
It is so suitable for drying that flowers used in fresh arrangements can often be left indefinitely in the vase, long after the water has disappeared, and still retain much of their beauty.
Expert Tip
Leucospermums thrive on neglect, to much fertiliser and water are not what this species need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leucospermum?
Leucospermum, commonly known as pincushion protea, is a stunning flowering shrub native to South Africa. It is renowned for its unique, vibrant flowers that resemble a pincushion with pins sticking out.
How do I plant Leucospermum?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball, taking care not to damage the roots. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole. Add sand or fine pumice the soil to improve drainage. The addition of Peat will help tp provide acidity. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
How often should I water Leucospermum?
During the first summer provide one deep watering per week during periods of prolonged drought. To much water can cause root rot.
How do I propagate Leucospermum?
Leucospermum can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds require pre-treatment like soaking and scarification, while cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood growth in late summer.
Do Leucospermum attract wildlife?
Leucospermum flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds, bees, and butterflies, making them a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.