Leucadendron Plum Bob
Leucadendron Plum Bob is a compact evergreen shrub grown for its rich, colourful foliage and cream-yellow flowers. The dark bronze bracts open through late winter and spring to reveal cream-yellow blooms, giving the plant a warm, layered look over several weeks. Mature plants reach around 1 to 1.5m high and wide, making this leucadendron a manageable size for most garden situations.
This leucadendron suits a coastal garden, a low-water modern planting, or a dry sunny border. Use it as a feature shrub or mass several plants together for a dense, textured hedge or screen. It pairs well with other leucadendrons, proteas, and ornamental grasses for a water-wise, year-round planting.
Grow Plum Bob in full sun with free-draining, low-phosphorus soil. Sandy or gravelly ground suits it well. It dislikes heavy, wet soil and rich feeding. Good airflow around the plant helps keep it healthy. This leucadendron is not suited to frost-prone inland areas such as Central Otago or inland Southland without shelter.
Water regularly through the first season to establish roots, then ease off as the plant matures. Leucadendrons are not listed as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses, but as with any garden plant, discourage pets from chewing on it.
Trimming: Prune after flowering in spring to keep the plant compact and encourage bushy growth. Cut back by up to one-third into leafy wood. Avoid cutting into old bare wood, as leucadendrons are slow to recover from hard pruning. Harvesting stems for the vase works well as a light trim.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential. Removing spent flower heads tidies the plant and can encourage fresh growth, but leaving them does no harm and adds winter structure.
Fertilising: Leucadendrons are sensitive to phosphorus. Do not use standard fertiliser or compost high in phosphorus. If feeding is needed, use a low-phosphorus native or protea-specific feed in spring, applied sparingly.
Watering: Water well through the first season to help roots establish. Once established, this leucadendron is drought-tolerant and needs watering only during long dry spells. Avoid keeping the root zone constantly wet.
Pest Control: Leucadendrons are generally trouble-free. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs on stressed plants and treat early with horticultural oil if needed.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil is the main defence against disease. Wet or heavy soil encourages Phytophthora root rot, which is the most common cause of decline. Maintain good airflow around the plant and avoid overwatering.
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.
