Leucadendron Coppertone
Leucadendron Coppertone is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage and bracts rather than its flowers. The bracts open cream at the centre and deepen to coppery red as they age, giving the plant a warm, layered look across much of the year. It grows to around 1 to 1.5m high and wide, forming a dense, rounded habit.
This leucadendron suits a coastal garden, a dry sunny border, or a low-water modern planting. It works well massed in groups for a bold sweep of colour, or used as a feature shrub among ornamental grasses, proteas, and other fynbos-type plants. The coppery tones pair well with silver and bronze foliage plants.
Grow Leucadendron Coppertone in full sun with free-draining, low-phosphorus soil. It tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly ground and thrives with good airflow. Avoid rich soil, heavy clay, or areas that hold water after rain. This leucadendron is not suited to frost-prone inland areas such as Central Otago or inland Southland without shelter.
Water regularly to establish through the first season, then reduce watering as the plant settles. Leucadendron is not listed as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses, but as with any garden plant, discourage pets from chewing on it.
Trimming: Trim after the main bract display, cutting stems back by up to one third to keep a tidy, compact shape. Avoid cutting into old bare wood, as leucadendrons are slow to regrow from hard cuts. You can harvest stems for the vase, which doubles as light pruning.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential for leucadendrons. Leaving spent flower heads on the plant does no harm and can add winter structure to the garden.
Fertilising: Do not use standard fertiliser. Leucadendrons are sensitive to phosphorus and will decline in rich soil. If feeding at all, use a low-phosphorus native or protea-specific feed in spring, applied sparingly.
Watering: Water regularly through the first growing season to help the plant establish. Once settled, leucadendrons are drought-tolerant and need water only during long dry spells. Avoid constant moisture around the roots.
Pest Control: Leucadendrons are generally trouble-free. On stressed plants, watch for scale and mealybugs. Treat early with horticultural oil if needed.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil is the main defence against disease. Wet or heavy ground invites Phytophthora root rot, which is the most common cause of plant decline. Keep the root zone open and ensure good airflow around the plant.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
