What is Leucadendron?

Leucadendron is a genus of flowering plants, containing around 80 known species, found in southern Africa. They are an important part of the ecology of this region, being among the plants that appear first after fires, and several species are also grown as ornamentals. Nurseries may carry Leucadendron species and can also order them if gardeners wish to request a specific species or cultivar. It is also possible to trade with other gardeners, for people who know gardeners with mature plants suitable for taking cuttings.

Members of this genus range from small shrubs to low trees. They have simple foliage and grow upright. Some species are covered in fine, silvery hairs or a waxing coating. These coatings are designed to protect the plants from the hot and sometimes dry weather of their native habitat. People growing Leucadendron species may note that the trees can appear glossy to matte, depending on the weather conditions, as their coatings change in response to the climate.

These dioecious plants bear inflorescences at the tips of their stems, in colors like red, orange, and yellow. One species, L. argentum or silvertree, is noted for its particularly striking silvery foliage, and it is a popular cultivar among gardeners. The plants can be used as standalone specimen plantings or grown in massed plantings, hedges, and background plantings, where their foliage can offset other visually interesting plants. Silvertree can be planted with other white and silvery plants for a striking visual display.

Gardeners interested in cultivating Leucadendron will need to live in relatively warm climates like those found in southern Africa. These plants are frost sensitive and do not do well in cold regions. They need mildly acidic, well-drained soil with low phosphorus levels. These plants are suitable for low-water gardens and are generally drought tolerant. Full sun is recommended, although some species can tolerate partial shade or filtered light. After flowering, the plants should be pruned for shaping and to encourage even growth.

Some Leucadendron species are suitable for container gardening, for people with more limited space. Seedlings of varying sizes are usually available relatively easily, allowing people to select larger plants if they want their landscaping to mature more quickly. For people interested in growing from cuttings, cuttings are usually relatively easy to start, and they can provide an opportunity to grow a rare or interesting cultivar that might not be readily available commercially.