Get Hooked on Fresh Spring Leucadendron

A vibrant, bunch of Leucadendron is a delightful thing: After a quick snip off the stems and a few leaves removed from the bottom, all you really need to enjoy them is a vase. Since they are so simple to arrange, it is easy to forget that they’re basically considered the foliage side of the family of Protea. To honor this genus and some 80 species (who all share the same emphasis: the beauty of their foliage), we have gathered a few of our spring favorites.

Much as we love the traditional greens… eucalyptus, grevillea, melaleuca (they're always in season!), each year we wait for spring when colorful Leucadendron come into season. After all, what could possibly be better than field fresh Leucadendron? These proteas have strong qualities in terms of their feature-game. Their exquisite colors add vibrancy to any design. Their famed longevity means they will be relished for weeks. And who can resist the colorful cones? The petals of the Leucadendron are called bracts or modified leaves, and the true flower is the cone nestled among their bracts.

For inspiration, scroll down for a glimpse this season’s favorites.

Lennox

Maui Sunset #2

Senorita

Xanthoconus

Eucalyptifolium

Gold Strike

Rainbow Gold

Discolor

Spring Thoughts

Spring may officially begin on the 20th of March, but for anyone who loves Leucadendron as much as we do, spring starts in early January when the first Leucadendron take on vivid shades of cream, white, yellow, gold and maroon. Inca gold turns a bright yellow color with a touch of red on the tips. Gold Strike transforms into beautiful yellow ‘tulips’ and Maui Sunset is simply stunning in hues of white and pink. The Safari Sunset, which is red or burgundy most of the year, lives up to its name as it changes to ‘Tricolor’ with lovely multicolored bracts in hues of maroon, green and gold.

As the weather gets cold the leaves or bracts of the Leucadendron change colors becoming brighter and more intense. This fabulous foliage seems to ‘wake up’ and turn into vibrant flowers in their own right. Our bouquets and wreaths take their inspiration from the wonderful colors and textures of this long-lasting accent foliage.

Leucadendron Gold Strike

Looking for a winter pick-me-up? With one step into the Gold Strike field, you can escape to a ‘botanical retreat’ filled with rays of golden sunshine, leaving the winter blues behind. Some call this gorgeous yellow foliage – Yellow Conebush, Cone Bush, Sunshine Conebush, Sunshine Protea Safari Gold Strike or simply leucadendron Gold Strike.

Whatever you want to call this winter foliage - it is amazing during this time of the year! It’s one of the most colorful leucadendron - a cross of Strobolinum and Laureolum. Hardy and tall, Gold Strike has narrow oblong, green leaves spirally arranged on the branches. What people first think are flowers that look like yellow tulips, are actually… bright-yellow bracts or leaves.

Winter Color: Gold Strike

Every February, it dawns on us that winter is a choice. With one trip to the Gold Strike field, we can escape to a ‘botanical haven’ filled with rays of golden sunshine, leaving the winter blues behind. The one thought that some may ponder? What’s its real name? Some call this gorgeous yellow foliage – Yellow Conebush, Cone Bush, Sunshine Conebush, Sunshine Protea Safari Gold Strike or simply leucadendron Gold Strike.

Well, whatever you want to call this winter foliage - it is amazing at this time of the year! It’s one of the most colorful leucadendron - a cross of Strobolinum and Laureolum. Hardy and Tall, Gold Strike has narrow oblong, green leaves spirally arranged on the branches. And, what people first think of as the flowers that look like yellow tulips are in fact bright-yellow bracts.

Winter Color: Leucadendron

At the dawn of winter, we’re surrounded by Christmas greens. As the season settles in, we find ourselves shifting back to more traditional foliage. By the time January’s cold, cozy days roll around? Leucadendron, please! There is such an eruption of color on the farm during this time of year. As the weather gets colder, the colors become brighter and more intense. Leucadendron seemingly ‘wake up’ and make superb winter flowers in a variety of colors and textures.

Safari Sunset, which is red or burgundy most of the year, lives up to its name in winter as it changes to ‘Tricolor’ with lovely multicolored bracts in hues of maroon, green and gold.

Safari Tricolor

And, many of our favorite green Leucadendron suddenly take on vivid shades of cream, white and yellow. Inca gold turns a bright yellow color with a touch of red on the tips. Leucadendron Gold Strike transform into beautiful yellow ‘tulips’ and Maui Sunset is simply stunning in hues of white and pink.

Inca Gold

Gold Strike

Maui Sunset

Bursting with color and texture, this long-lasting foliage will keep you happy for weeks!