Leucadendron salignum aka Common Sunshine Conebush

Leucadendron salignum is an evergreen shrub in the Proteaceae family. It comes from the southern Cape region of South Africa. Kew places it in a subtropical climate. It forms a bushy plant with year-round foliage. In gardens, it reaches about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Its spread falls within the same range. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size.

Red stems carry green leaves with a red flush. These colours give the shrub interest beyond its flowering display. Its floral bracts range from greenish yellow to orange-red. They appear from late spring through late autumn. These bracts add colour over a long growing season. The species account does not describe its fruit or bark. Its compact size suits gardens where space is limited.

Give this shrub full sun and shelter from harsh exposure. It needs soil that drains well, whether sandy or loamy. Acid or neutral soil suits it. Choose a warm, dry spot for outdoor planting. A courtyard or a south-facing or west-facing wall can provide this setting. The RHS rates its hardiness as H3. This makes outdoor growing best suited to mild coastal areas. Its guidance favours mild or frost-free sites rather than colder gardens.

In places with frost, grow it in a greenhouse. The RHS recommends a cool or temperate greenhouse with low humidity. Give it full light under glass. Use lime-free potting compost mixed with grit to aid drainage. Water moderately while the plant is growing. Reduce watering in winter, when it needs only small amounts. It needs little pruning, and may need none. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer to raise more plants. Bottom heat supports this method of propagation.

The shrub suits coastal, gravel, courtyard and informal gardens. It also fits Mediterranean-style planting and borders beside walls. Patios and containers offer further ways to grow it. Its stems can provide material for cut-flower use. The RHS reports few disease problems with this species. Under glass, however, red spider mites may attack it. Check greenhouse plants for this pest as part of routine care. The supplied sources give no firm information on edibility or toxicity.