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LEUCADENDRON rubrum
Spinning Top Conebush
Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Shrub to 2.5 metre
Seed per packet: 5
Sold by seed count
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 used widely 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. 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.
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 summers are hot and dry and winter is moderate and wet, autumn is the best time to sow.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.
- The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
- Sow the seed equal to its side deep. Vermiculite is an excellent medium to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature.
- Keep moist but not too wet, as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
- Germination should occur in 30-60 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 by soaking the seed overnight or applying it to the surface after sowing; both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.
*Please note:
- Please do not be too hasty to discard seeds that do not germinate; seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural germination requirements.
- As with all seeds, they must have adequate water to keep them moist but not too wet.
- These growth notes are provided as guidance only and do not guarantee successful germination.
Being a registered Export Establishment, we can provide a full export service from obtaining a Phytosanitary certificate (if required) to delivering your parcel to the transport company of your choice. If you are uncertain about the requirements for importing seeds into your country, do not hesitate to contact our Export Manager at Australian Seed.
It is important to note that the buyer is responsible for clearing the goods through customs and paying all associated charges, including import fees and taxes. Please note that we cannot accept returns due to Australian quarantine restrictions.
You can find the complete International terms and conditions by clicking on this link
Importing to Tasmania Prohibited