Growing Leucospermum – Pincushions

The fanciful Leucospermum plant brings so much pleasure to our hearts during this time of the year. The vibrant red, orange, peach, yellow and bi-colored flowers in bloom (generally mid-winter through spring) 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 include some forty-eight species, of which all but three are endemic to South Africa’s Cape Province. 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.

Leucospermum are considered Mediterranean plants, which is good news for anyone living in central and southern California. These stunning plants provide drama and stature in the fields and in gardens as well.

Leucospermum flowers are gorgeous in a vase on their own, but when accompanied with other proteas or other more traditional flowers like roses, anemones, dahlias or snapdragons they can make spectacular arrangements.

Growing Leucospermum:

• Leucospermum flourish in full-sun exposure with good air movement around the plants. 
• When transplanting Leucospermum, 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.

In the Field: Brunia Albiflora

Whenever this beautiful botanical is seen, it is often greeted with surprise as if it has never been seen before. The mysterious, almost alien looking Brunia albiflora or also called Coffee Bush after it's coffee scented flowers is a summer favorite. Albiflora has long leafy branches with beautiful dark green foliage that resembles a pine tree, but is much, much softer. The flowers or ‘bobbles’ are crowded into tight spherical knob-like inflorescences that are clustered into flat, rounded heads in a deep green hue touched with silver. The flower-heads are very striking, and branches are mostly sold with the flower-heads still in bud.

However, in late summer the flowers start to open in a ring, starting on the outside of the bobble and working inwards. Each tiny flower is about ¼” long, white with yellow stamens sticking out, giving the inflorescence a yellowish tinge.

Whether in a bud stage or flowering, Brunia Albilfora adds a unique and long-lasting touch and texture to any floral arrangement or bouquet.

What to look for

• If possible, buy before the flowers are open as branches with cones last longer than open flowers; 
• Leaves should have a glossy green appearance; 
• Avoid bunches with flowers showing brown marks.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool. 
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem. 
3. Recut at least ½” off each branch and place in water. 
4. Don’t use a preservative as this may open the flower-buds. 
5. Add a half cap of bleach to the vase. 
6. Replace vase water with fresh water every 2 days.