Leucadendron galpinii

conebush
Spirals of grey-green leaves densely clothe this evergreen shrub at its best in sandy/rocky soils. Phosphorus fertilizer kills it.
Leucadendron galpinii
height 8–10
width 3–6ft
tolerates Drought, Fog, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Leucadendrons are from Mediterranean 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		 25F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Bloodmeal, Fish Emulsion, Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin South Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 15–17, 19–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

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.