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Scientific
Name:
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Leucospermum 'Brandi' (L. 'Brandi
Dela Cruz')
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Common Name:
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Pincushion
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Deciduous vs. Evergreen
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Evergreen
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Perennial vs. Annual
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Perennial
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Shade
vs. Sun
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Full sun
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Height
x Width
& How Stands
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To 4-5' tall X wide
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Flower
Color
& Bloom Time
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4-5" wide Pincushion-shaped orange
yellow blooms winter-spring
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Zone
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Hardy to 25-30° F
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Description,
Notes
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Protea (Proteaceae) Family shrub
native to South Africa; Royal Hawaiian Series hybrids
bred by the University of Hawaii (where Pincushions also
thrive due to the well draining volcanic soils) grown
for its Extra Large and strangely shaped flowers; One
of the parents of this wildly popular hybrid is Leucospermum
reflexum, whose flowers bend back (reflex) all the way
to the stem. 'Blanch Ito' only arches half way back, generating
the oddly shaped "dome with wiskers" pincushion. Also
due to this parentage, the Royal Hawaiian Series may have
more cold tolerance, as Leucospermum reflexum is one of
the more cold tolerant of the Pincushions. Initial testing
in the inland valleys surrounding the Central Coast has
proven fruitful in this respect, though the introduction
is still fairly new to California; attracts hummingbirds;
long straight stems make for excellent cut flowers; drought
and deer resistant; prefers well-drained soils and deep
infrequent watering once established; can be used as a
water-wise patio plant; nice on banks/slopes; great in
the wind; low Phosphorus fertilizer or none at all.
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Photos are property of Crescent Hill Nursery
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Descriptions are based on our experience growing
these plants in both the garden and nursery setting.
Additional information and feedback is encouraged.
All plants are classified under USDA
hardiness zones.
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