LEUCADENDRON nervosum

An attractive fast growing shrub to 1.5 metre producing silvery leaves and yellow flowers in spring with a red tinge around the edges of the bracts. Endangered in the wild.
Grown and sold commercially as cut flowers to the European markets since the 1950's

Leucadendrons are dioecious, separate male and female plants. Both the male and female flowers occur in dense heads at the branch tips with the male flowers the most attractive, only the female flower will produces cones and seed.

Tolerates a range of soil from well drained to wet in a sunny position. Drought and frost tolerant when established.

Grow notes:

The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summer is hot and dry and your winter is moderate and wet the best time to sow is autumn.
In colder climates with less harsh summers it is usually better to sow in spring.

1. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
2. Sow the seed the depth on the seed size. Vermiculite is a good medium to use to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature. 
3. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family 
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.