Hairy-bract Leucadendron Plant Care
Leucadendron pubibracteolatum I.Williams
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Leucadendron pubibracteolatum, the purple-leaf conebush, is a flower-bearing shrub belonging to the genus Leucadendron and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Plant Hairy-bract Leucadendron in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy-bract Leucadendron Native To?
What Is the Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron (Leucadendron pubibracteolatum) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Leucadendron genus. Hairy-bract Leucadendron is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Hairy-bract Leucadendron displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Hairy-bract Leucadendron produces small colorful bracts surrounding the flower head.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Water a young or newly planted Hairy-bract Leucadendron every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Hairy-bract Leucadendron Need?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy-bract Leucadendron Prefer?
Leucadendron pubibracteolatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Hairy-bract Leucadendron prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Hairy-bract Leucadendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Feed Hairy-bract Leucadendron every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Hairy-bract Leucadendron is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Prune Hairy-bract Leucadendron while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Hairy-bract Leucadendron in Winter?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.
Is the Hairy-bract Leucadendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy-bract Leucadendron, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hairy-bract Leucadendron?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hairy-bract Leucadendron Need?
Hairy-bract Leucadendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hairy-bract Leucadendron is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. In cooler regions, grow Hairy-bract Leucadendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Hairy-bract Leucadendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Leucadendron genus — compare its care with other Leucadendron species on PlantoScan.
Leucadendron is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.
Hairy-bract Leucadendron thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Leucadendron pubibracteolatum I.Williams, family Proteaceae (first published in Contr. Bolus Herb. 3: 198 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy-bract Leucadendron, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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