It's January, and I have one of the most unusual blooms in my garden as shown below.
Leucadendron galpinii, Silver Cone Galpin's Conebush. It can reach a good size (6-8' H X 4-6' W) if grown in the ground, but I have it in a terracotta container in front of the house where I can see its light-green foliage and these unusual silver-grey flower cones.
Bushy, healthy plant with upright stems and narrow soft needle-like leaves. And, it's evergreen!
This is a female plant. Male plants are said to have pom-pom flowerheads that are yellow in color.
At the Valley Nursery, where I bought it, it was marked as a border plant. We are in zone 8b.
For some winter protection, I placed it close to the big fir tree and other plant containers, where it's easy to throw a cover on the plants if needed. Recent mild winters didn't pose any danger to it so far.
This is July 2019 picture:
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Leucadendron galpinii is native to South Africa. It likes sun and good drainage.
They say it's popular among florists for using in fresh & dry bouquets and has a long vase life.
I never used it in bouquets - I'm happy to see it from the windows!
I noticed that I am not a big bouquet person. And the main reason, I think, is the fact that our garden surrounds the house. Every single window has a garden view. Of course, I cut flowers from time to time, but in many cases, I prefer to enjoy plants while they bloom in the garden.
I haven't noticed any signs of pests or disease on my plant.
About the name. Leukos in Greek means white, and dendron means tree. White tree.
Species galponii - named for Ernest Edward Galpin (1858-1941), a South African banker and plant collector.
I plan to prune it back after blooming, so that it would stay compact and get bushier.
Cool plant!
What an unusual flower. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you, Lorraine! Thanks for stopping by! It's raining here, but we have sunny days too!
DeleteWhat a fun, interesting plant. Winter bloomers are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Agree with you, Linda! Especially those not loved by slugs :):)
DeleteI have never heard of this plant before. It does have unusual blooms and interesting foliage.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa! It was new for me too. And, it was the only L. plant they had in the nursery at that time.
DeleteA bit like rosemary... I have never seen before. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Endah! You are right, there is some similarity!
ReplyDeleteSomething that blooms in January, what a treat!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Agree with you, Robin!
DeleteA particularly beautiful Leucadendron species. Have seen it here very happy in a large pot. I need to find room for one.
ReplyDeleteNot a big bouquet fan myself--agree, being able to see the garden out the nearest window is a delight.
Thank you! I hope I can keep it in a pot! So far, it doesn't complain !
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