South Africa has no shortage of Leucadendon species – 80 of them. They are evergreen small trees or shrubs with colourful bracts or cones at their branch tips. From this treasure chest of a dioecious genus (separate male and female plants), breeders took their inspiration by crossing some of them to create very decorative hybrids that are cherished in the cut flower world for their long-lasting stems in the vase.
The good news for gardeners, is that we have easy access to them as well to plant in our gardens or in pots to enjoy for many years. They are adaptable to both summer and winter rainfall regions, are quite easy to grow, and are made for cutting!
How to grow them
Climatic conditions
Leucadendrons need full sun to enhance their beautiful foliage colours. All five of them are moderately frost-tolerant once well established. However, young plants should be protected for the first two years against frost.
Soil
Sandy, rocky, acidic soil is first prize but good loam soil that drains very well is also fine. You can use quality compost to aid drainage, but work it well into the excavated soil. If you are going to plant them in pots, use a commercial soil mix formulated for fynbos or good quality potting soil.
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
