Conebush
Leucadendron laureolum
Also listed as Leucadendron decorum, Euryspermum decorum
Also known as Golden Conebush, Laural-leaf Conebush, Yellow Tulip Conebush
Climate Match for your location
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A South African shrub prized for its distinctive cone-shaped flower heads with colorful, papery bracts that range from yellow to bronze-red. Drought-tolerant and excellent for cut flowers, it thrives in Mediterranean climates and well-drained soils.
Why grow it
Leucadendron laureolum produces longer-lasting cut flowers than many comparable proteas, with bracts that retain color and form for several weeks after harvest. Among conebushes, this species offers reliable performance in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions where irrigation is limited, making it useful for water-conscious landscapes. It serves as a good alternative to florist proteas when local climate and soil conditions cannot support more tender species.
Watch out for
In humid or poorly ventilated sites, this plant is susceptible to fungal issues, particularly root rot in clay soils or areas with high rainfall. Flowering may be sparse if the plant receives insufficient direct sunlight or if pruning removes too much growth at once. Like many plants with papery bracts, the cut stems can become brittle during storage or transport if handled roughly or exposed to very dry air.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Proteaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Safari Sunset is the classic bronze-red cut-flower cultivar with deep warm tones; Wilson's Wonder features cream and red bracts for a softer bicolor effect.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A South African shrub prized for its distinctive cone-shaped flower heads with colorful, papery bracts that range from yellow to bronze-red. Drought-tolerant and excellent for cut flowers, it thrives in Mediterranean climates and well-drained soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Conebush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Leucadendron laureolum produces longer-lasting cut flowers than many comparable proteas, with bracts that retain color and form for several weeks after harvest. Among conebushes, this species offers reliable performance in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions where irrigation is limited, making it useful for water-conscious landscapes. It serves as a good alternative to florist proteas when local climate and soil conditions cannot support more tender species.
Watch out for
In humid or poorly ventilated sites, this plant is susceptible to fungal issues, particularly root rot in clay soils or areas with high rainfall. Flowering may be sparse if the plant receives insufficient direct sunlight or if pruning removes too much growth at once. Like many plants with papery bracts, the cut stems can become brittle during storage or transport if handled roughly or exposed to very dry air.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Proteaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Safari Sunset is the classic bronze-red cut-flower cultivar with deep warm tones; Wilson's Wonder features cream and red bracts for a softer bicolor effect.