Orange Pincushion 

By Polly Nelson  UCCE Master Gardener

Pincushion Protea

Leucospermum proteus

Planting area: Sunset zones 15-17, 21-24

Size: 4-6 feet

Bloom Season: Spring to early summer

Exposure: Full sun

Pruning needs: To shape or to remove dead flowers

Water needs: Moderate

Snapshot: The words “exotic” and “pincushion” may not seem to go together, but the Leucospermum proteus achieves both. It produces inflorescences composed of many brightly colored flowers, coming together to look like a pincushion. Looking closer, it has irregular, somewhat tubular flowers in spikes, forming around a thistle-like head. Popular as cutting flowers, the blooms last for a month or so in water. Colors range from light yellow to orange-red. The leathery leaves are narrow ovals crowded along stems.

Three things are important to successfully grow this plant. One, it requires well-draining soil. Its preference would be to live on a slope, so roots don't have to sit in standing water. Protection from dry winds, frost, and good air circulation is also on its “preferred living situation” list.

Two, it prefers somewhat acidic soil. Amending alkaline soil is an option to decrease the soil pH; smaller plants can be grown in a container with the appropriate acidic soil used for planting.

Three, use minimal, if any, fertilizer. This plant is particularly sensitive to phosphorus and nitrogen excesses. It is used to growing in lean soil and too much fertilizer can kill it.

Plant by digging a two foot hole with added compost. Water regularly during warm, dry weather; the plant is somewhat drought-tolerant after the first year or so. Water the base of the plant and keep foliage as dry as possible. Mulch to staunch weed growth. Protect from frost using frost cloth when needed.

Leucospermum can be propagated in the fall using new spring growth, or in spring using fall growth. Choose a side shoot near a flower and cut an 8-10 inch cutting. Remove leaves on the bottom half of the cutting, and dip in rooting hormone. Plant in a mixture of peat and perlite, and maintain the cuttings in a warm, moist environment (like a greenhouse, if possible). Rooting can take up to several weeks.

Pincushion proteas can spice up your landscape with soft textures combined with bold colors and unique flowers!