Evergreen foliage on a very attractive flowering shrub make Leucospermum oleifolium a great garden plant.
It is the flowers that make this plant so good, they change colour as they age from yellow to orange and finally red. In full flower as the blooms appear in clusters it looks like the plant is multicoloured.
In the garden like other Leucospermum varities, Leucospermum oleifolium can be used as a feature plant or even a hedging plant if you have the right conditions. So why is this plant not widely grown? Because it it is very fussy about soil and moisture.
This species is from the Overberg region of the Western Cape hence the common name of ‘Overberg Pincushion’. The other common name ‘Tufted Pincushion’ is derived from the brushlike, or tufted structure of the flowers.
How To grow Leucospermum oleifolium – basic Care
This is a plant that does not grow well in humid climates. It also must have a very well drained soil, slightly on the acidic side.
It grows best in soil that is sandy, free draining with a little aged compost added. For best results, mound uptake soil to make the drainage perfect, or plant on a slope which can have the same effect. Also try to plant in a position that is protected from strong winds yet has good air flow.
You can mulch around the plant to help retain just a little moisture.
You will need to water a little over the first few summers, being careful not to overwater.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Leucospermum oleifolium
- Common Names – Overberg Pincushion and Tufted Pincushion.
- Family – Proteacae
- Height – To around 1 – 1.5 metres
- Spread – To around 1 metre
- Flowers – Opening yellow changing to red.
- Flowering Time – Early spring through to summer
- Foliage – Silvery green
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – Medium once established.