Sign In 
Get Premium Spinning Top Conebush
(Leucadendron rubrum)
Spinning Top Conebush (Leucadendron rubrum)
/
/
Dave Richardson
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Dave Richardson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dave Richardson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Dave Richardson | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-07-17T13:37:07Z |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Wilmington, North Carolina
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 7" - 44" | 56" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 70°F - 96°F | 90°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 31°F - 65°F | 35°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Leucadendron rubrum, commonly known as Spinning Top Conebush, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa, characterized by Mediterranean-type heathland with winter rainfall and dry summers. This shrub typically grows to a height of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and is known for its striking red bracts that surround the cone-like inflorescences, which are particularly showy from August to September. The plant has adapted to its fire-prone native habitat; while adult plants are killed by fire, their seeds are protected within woody cones on the female plants. These seeds are released after fires, utilizing a parachute mechanism to disperse on the wind.
The Spinning Top Conebush is valued for its unique appearance and is often used in ornamental plantings and as a focal point in drought-tolerant gardens. It requires full sun exposure to thrive and benefits from well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. While it needs medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that this species is dioecious, with separate male and female plants, and both are needed for seed production. It is also important to note that the plant can be sensitive to Phytophthora root rot, so proper drainage is crucial.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Spinning Top Conebush is valued for its unique appearance and is often used in ornamental plantings and as a focal point in drought-tolerant gardens. It requires full sun exposure to thrive and benefits from well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. While it needs medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that this species is dioecious, with separate male and female plants, and both are needed for seed production. It is also important to note that the plant can be sensitive to Phytophthora root rot, so proper drainage is crucial.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-8 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Purpursilverträd
Scientific Names: Leucadendron rubrum, Leucadendron plumosum, Protea plumosa
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucadendron rubrum Burm.fil.