Leucadendron ‘Wilson’s Wonder’
conebush
Fast growing, bushy shrub with deep-red new growth in spring. Fall brings cream yellow bracts that that tint red in winter. Versatile, takes well to pruning. Avoid phosphorus.
 Height | 5–12 |
|---|---|
 Width | 3–6ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Drought, Wind |
 Water needs | Low |
Leucadendrons are from Mediterranean-climate areas of South Africa, so they're right at home in coastal California. Once established they are quite drought tolerant, but they will grow and look their best with deep watering every two or three weeks during summer. These plants prefer well-drained soil, but most leucadendrons are fairly adaptable. If you have heavier soil be careful not to oversaturate your plant, and water very infrequently during summer, once established. | |
 Hardy to | 22°F |
 Exposure | Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Hedge, Screen, Shrub |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | Bloodmeal, Fish Emulsion, Low Needs, No Phosphorus |
 Origin | Hybrid, South Africa |
 Sunset zones | 14–17, 19–24 |
Growing Notes
Leucadendrons, even bushy ones, have a clean upright form. They can be pruned to either be bushier, by trimming back the crown, or more upright, by pruning on the sides. It is best not to prune on growth that is more than two years old (where the branches become woody and leafless), or you risk your leucadendron not bushing back from that area. Prune up lower branches to make a tree-like form or hedge them to make a dense privacy screen.
All purpose fertilizer will kill this plant! Fertilizer is generally not necessary, though Leucadendrons prefer slightly acidic soil. Treat with cottonseed meal, iron, or other mild (low in phosphorus and potassium) acidifying fertilizer if you have basic soil. They also respond well to nitrogen, either in the form of fish emulsion or blood meal. Never give your leucadendron phosphorus, which will poison the plant and avoid potassium.
Special Interest
Leucadendrons don't have typical flowers, but instead they have brightly colored cones held at the branch tips. Leaves holding these cones also brighten when cones are present. These plants are dioecious, meaning that some plants are male and others female, and the cones vary slightly by sex.
These cones and also the foliage make great cut items for flower arrangements.
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The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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