Leucadendron Clone 91
Leucadendron Clone 91 is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful bracts rather than its true flowers. The bracts open bronze in autumn and shift to clear Chinese yellow as winter progresses into late winter, giving the plant months of warm colour when little else is performing. Upright in habit, it reaches around 1 to 1.5m high and suits both garden beds and cut-foliage arrangements.
This leucadendron fits well into a coastal garden, a dry sunny border, or a modern low-water planting. Group several plants together for a bold seasonal display, or use a single specimen alongside ornamental grasses and other protea-family shrubs. The yellow bracts contrast well with bronze or deep green foliage nearby.
Grow Clone 91 in full sun with free-draining, low-phosphorus soil. Sandy or gravelly ground suits it well. Rich or heavy soil shortens the life of the plant. Good airflow around the plant helps keep it healthy and productive.
Leucadendron is not listed as toxic to cats or dogs, but pet toxicity for this genus is not fully established, so discourage pets from chewing the foliage as a precaution. This plant is not suited to frost-prone inland areas such as Central Otago or inland Southland without reliable shelter.
Trimming: Trim after the bract display fades in late winter to early spring. Cut stems back by about a third to keep the plant compact and productive. Avoid cutting into old bare wood, as leucadendrons are slow to reshoot from it. Harvesting stems for the vase during winter doubles as light pruning.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential for leucadendrons. Removing spent flower heads can tidy the plant, but leaving them does no harm and the dried structures can remain decorative.
Fertilising: Leucadendrons are sensitive to phosphorus. Do not use standard garden fertiliser. If feeding is needed, apply a low-phosphorus native or protea-specific feed in spring, and use it sparingly. Avoid feeding in autumn or winter.
Watering: Water regularly through the first season to help the plant establish. Once settled, leucadendrons are drought-tolerant and need water only during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as wet conditions around the roots cause decline.
Pest Control: Leucadendrons are generally low-maintenance. On stressed plants, watch for scale insects and mealybugs. Treat early with horticultural oil to prevent a build-up.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil is the main defence against disease. Wet or heavy soil leads to Phytophthora root rot, which is the most common cause of decline. Plant in an open position with good airflow and avoid mulching right against the stems.
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