From the vibrant yellow blooms of High Gold to the soft, golden-peach hues of Brandi dela Cruz and the bright tri-color shades (red, orange + yellow) of Erubescens, we are falling for these classic spring-Leucospermum (and many more) all over again this season.
These prolific plants deliver breathtaking living color in the fields from March through June. The textural blooms are formed mainly with long, sprout-like structures that end in a round knob called a pollen presenter. Together, the mass of styles looks a lot like pins bristling from a “pincushion”, a similarity that has given rise to the popular name for this genus.
Leucospermum includes some forty-eight species as well as several new hybrids. Unlike flowers of the genus Protea, which rely on their showy bracts for visual appeal, Leucospermum put all their art into the colors of the flowers themselves as well as the flowing shape of each curving component.
Inspired by this fanciful protea and ready to grow your own? Here are a few tips:
- Leucospermum flourish in full-sun exposure with good air movement around the plants.
- When transplanting, set plants into the soil at the same level that they were in the container.
- Plant on a mound or slope to promote excellent drainage in soil that is slightly acidic.
- Mulch to conserve water but keep mulch free of the crown of the plant.
- Water regularly until plants are established.
- Protect from frost.
When harvested, Leucospermum are stunning when displayed in a vase on their own, or mixed with more traditional flowers like roses, tulips, ranunculus, snapdragons and more.
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