Piketberg Conebush – 5 Seeds

Piketberg Conebush (Leucadendron discolor) is one of 80 species of South African shrubs belonging to the family Proteaceae. The plant is listed as being vulnerable and It is threatened by habitat loss. Discolor means two colors and refers to the flower head on the male plant. It is bright red in bud, changing to sunshine yellow as the pollen appears.

Common names: gold flame tips, red conebush (Eng.); rooi-tolbos (Afr.)

The Piketberg Conebush grows on rocky, sandstone soils amongst mountain fynbos at altitudes between 450 -and 500 m. It is pollinated by insects carrying pollen from the male flower onto the female cone. Pollination occurs and seeds form and grow within this cone.

It is a slow growing perennial shrub. Growth of the root system and propagation, from a seed to the plant’s first flower, can take up to two years.

Growing Piketberg Conebush

Indoor Sowing: Late Summer and Autumn.

Direct Sowing: Late Summer and Autumn.

• Sow seed in late summer to autumn.
• Seed can be sown in a seed tray placed in a sunny position. Seed can also be sown directly where you want the plants to grow.
• Sow on a well-drained medium, firm down and cover with a layer of sand or finely milled bark.
• Germination begins after two to three weeks.
• Once two true leaves have grown, prick the seedlings out into small bags.
• Place the seedlings in a lightly shaded area with good air circulation.
• When plants are ± 50-100 mm tall, or after one year’s growth, they can be planted into the garden.
• The plant requires a hot, sunny position with well-drained acidic soil.