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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Proteaceae (Proteas) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [L. 'Veld Fire'] |
| Parentage: (L. conocarpodendron x L. glabrum) |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Leucospermum 'Veldfire' (Veldfire Pincushion) - Medium sized evergreen shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet tall by 6 to 8 feet wide with large (3 1/2" long by 2 inch wide) dark green leaves that have red on the dentations at the leaf tip. From gray cone-like structures emerge the 4 inch wide flower heads with yellow erect anthers and red "ribbons" (these form the ball of the flower) that are present from late winter through spring into early summer. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally – in coastal gardens this plant is drought tolerant. It is reliably hardy to 26 degrees F and noted as possibly hardier (to the low 20s). As with other Leucospermum this plant is sensitive to Phosphorus and so fertilizers containing this element should not be applied to it. The name for the genus is derived from the Greek word 'leukos' meaning "white" and 'sperma' meaning "seed". This plant is considered to be a hybrid between the Ember Pincushion, Leucospermum glabrum and the Grey Tree Pincushion, L. conocarpodendron. Though this hybrid reportedly originated in South African, it was first introduced in New Zealand at the Horticultural Research Centre at Levine, near the southern tip of the North Island, through an exchange program between them and the University of Hawaii . We have been selling this plant since 1998 and it is a great showy and reliable garden plant but is not considered to be good for the cut flower trade as it has short stems and the flower heads snap off too easily from the stems.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Leucospermum 'Veldfire'.
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