This South African native has many uses
by Steven W. Brown, AIFD
Photo courtesy of California
Cut Flower Commission
1 AN UNCOMMON CUT. Pro-nounced “loo-ka-DEN-dron,”
these cut flowers grow as showy trees and shrubs. There are more than 80
species of Leucadendrons, all with interesting characteristics. Some are
stark and dramatic; others are slender stemmed and bushy. Some, like
silver tree (L. argenteum), have “hairy” leaves.
2 FAUX FLOWERS. Leucadendrons are
compositions of stiff, colorful terminal leaves (bracts) that surround
conelike flowers. The flowers have most of the parts of conventional
flowers reduced to small scales. If the cones are developed and visible,
they are most likely female. The more inconspicuous flowers are usually
3 SCIENTIFIC NAME. The name
“Leucadendron” comes from the Greek words “leukos” (white) and “dendron”
(tree), referring to the silvery colored foliage. As part of the
Proteaceae family, relatives include Proteas, Banksias and Telopeas.
4 FROM SOUTH AFRICA. Leuca-dendrons
originate from South Africa, along the south and southwestern coastal
mountain ranges. Today, many are grown in the United States,
particularly in California and Hawaii.
5 AUTUMN COLORS. The colorful bracts
of Leucadendrons are available in red, burgundy and yellow. Purchase
Leucadendrons when the bracts have developed color but before they
separate from the “flowers.” Look for any blackened foliage and signs of
fungus in the centers.
6 NOTED VARIETIES. Varieties that
are more commonly found as cut flowers include ‘Safari Sunset,’ ‘Silvan
Red,’ ‘Inca Gold,’ ‘Maui Sunset,’ ‘Katie’s Blush’ and ‘Pisa.’ Noted
species include L. discolor (Piketberg conebush), L. laureoleum (golden
conebush), L. salignum (common sunshine conebush) and L. linifolium.
7 YEAR-ROUND SEASON. Leuca-dendrons
are available all year from domestic, Dutch and Australian sources.
There are periods when they are more plentiful, particularly the cooler
seasons in the various regions where they are grown. Ask your wholesaler
for specific availability.
8 SIMPLE CARE. These flowers are
easy to handle. Simply trim at least 1 inch from the end of each stem
with a sharp knife or pruner. Remove all leaves that would fall below
the water line. Place the stems into a clean vase or bucket with a
properly prepared flower food solution. Replenish the solution
frequently; the sugar in the flower food can retard leaf blackening.
9 NO WATER STRESS. Leucadendrons
will last two to six weeks depending on variety and/or whether one is
measuring flower or foliage life. Water stress can severely reduce vase
life, so be sure there is always plenty of clean flower food solution in
the container. Recutting the stems and changing the vase solution
frequently will help these flowers stay fresh. Keep them away from
direct sunlight to keep their fresh look much longer. Leucadendrons can
be held in floral coolers at 45 degrees to extend their vase lives.
10 ALL DRIED UP. To dry
Leucadendrons, stand them upright in a bucket or vase or hang them
upside down. Avoid laying them down or piling them together, or an
unnatural shape will occur. Store in a cool, dry location, and in about
three weeks, the dried flowers will be ready for designing, without
shedding any leaves or bracts. They usually dry with some color but may
fade to tan hues.
Steven W. Brown, AIFD, is a professor and department chair of
horticulture and floristry at City College of San Francisco with 26
years of consulting and educational experience in the floral industry.
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