Care of the shrub Leucadendron galpinii or Galpin's Conebush |
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The genus Leucadendron, family Proteaceae, includes some 80 species of shrubs and trees native to South Africa. Some species are: Leucadendron galpinii, Leucadendron meridianum, Leucadendron discolor, Leucadendron microcephalum, Leucadendron coniferum, Leucadendron eucalyptifolium, Leucadendron xanthoconus. Common names: Galpin's Conebush, Galpin's Leucadendron, Hairless Conebush, Silver Balls. They are fast-growing, highly branched, evergreen dioecious shrubs that reach 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in height. The leaves are narrow with a rounded tip and silver-green in color. The female flowers are silver-gray cones and the male ones are yellow. They bloom in spring. They are used to form informal hedges, wind screens, to cover dry sunny slopes, as isolated specimens, in pots for terraces and patios, and as cut (dried) flower. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens due to their resistance to wind and salinity. They combine very well with succulents and plants of the Anigozanthos genus. The Leucadendron galpinii needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist occasional frosts down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF). The soil can be sandy or clayey but it must be very well drained. Planting is done in early spring. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought well. Fertilize once in spring every 2 years with a slow-release fertilizer. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seed sown in the seedbed in spring and by cuttings in spring or fall (use rooting hormones). |
Images of the shrub Leucadendron galpinii or Galpin's Conebush |
 Leucadendron galpinii  Leucadendron galpinii  Leucadendron galpinii |