Leucospermum patersonii ‘Brothers’
pincushion protea
Large pale green leaves on a dense shrub. Glowing orange 'pincushion' flowers emerge in late spring and darken to red-orange. Prune to shape early and tip prune in the fall.
 Height | 4–6ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 6–8ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Cool Summers, Fog, Salt, Wind |
 Water needs | Low – Moderate |
Many leucospermums are from Mediterranean climates of South Africa, so they adapt well to California, particularly along the coast. They appreciate good drainage, but they are somewhat adaptable to heavier soil as long as they are in a sunny spot and watering is infrequent (once established). Leucospermums will grow and look their best when watered deeply every other week to once a month during summer. With sharp drainage, they will tolerate even more water. | |
 Hardy to | 28°F |
 Exposure | Part Shade – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Flowering, 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 |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 15–17, 19–24, H2 |
Growing Notes
Giving this plant all purpose fertilizer will kill it immediately! Generally fertilizer is not necessary. Leucospermums prefer a mildly acidic soil, and if your PH is on the high side, (one cause of yellowing leaves) you can add cottonseed meal, iron, or other mild acidifying fertilizer to adjust it. They appreciate nitrogen in the form of fish emulsion or blood meal, but never give them any significant phosphorus and avoid potassium.
Leucospermums have showy pincushion flowers at the branch tips in late spring through early summer. These flowers go through a range of color shades as they develop and are loved by hummingbirds. They are a choice cut flower and the long straight stems make them perfect for display. Once flowers are mature they shed cleanly from the plant on their own.
Naturally pincushion proteas have a thick bushy form, but they can be kept smaller and made even bushier by pruning. Do not prune more than two years of growth (where the old woody leafless stems start), or you risk the plant not budding back. They can even be groomed into modest-sized formal hedges.
Avoid clay soil, where the success of this plant is erratic. That said, if you just gotta have it amend the soil heavily with mineral content, such as pumice. Planting on a slope is also helpful.
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.
© 2020–2026 Grubb and Nadler. All rights reserved.