LEUCADENDRON rubrum

An attractive fast-growing small rounded shrub growing to 2.5 metres in height with the male flower heads being small (about 11 mm long) and bright yellow while the female produces a cone about 40 mm long. The bracts that form the cone are a colourful mix of yellow, green, blue, and red with the yellow stigmas sticking out at the top of the cone in a tuft. 
Flower-heads are long-lasting and popular in florist arrangements as are the cones of the female plant. Flowering occurs in late winter and spring.

The narrow leaves are covered by silvery hair when young. The male plants are bushier and have smaller leaves than the female plants.

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 flowers will produce cones and seeds.

Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Grow notes:

The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is a 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 in 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 seed 6mm deep. 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 it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.