Cape Conebush Plant Care

Cape Conebush (Leucadendron uliginosum subsp. glabratum) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Leucadendron genus. Cape Conebush is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Cape Conebush displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cape Conebush produces small colorful bracts surrounding the flower head.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Conebush 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.

Cape Conebush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leucadendron uliginosum subsp. glabratum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cape Conebush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Cape Conebush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Conebush 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Cape Conebush 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.

Cape Conebush 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.

Prune Cape Conebush 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.

Cape Conebush 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.

Cape Conebush can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to galpin's leucadendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cape Conebush 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.

Cape Conebush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cape Conebush is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. In cooler regions, grow Cape Conebush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.