L
ong-lasting flower heads in yellows, oranges and
reds consist of a large number of small flowers with
stiff protruding styles – fascinating and almost
unnatural to the touch.
Hybrids and cultivars of our indigenous pincushions
are grown the world over for the cut-flower trade, and
are probably one of the most distinctive and recognised
flowers on the planet. In South Africa, where they hail
from, you will find pincushions in flower from July to
November.
Species like Leucospermum cordifolium, L. tottum,
L. reflexum, L. lineare and L. glabrum have been widely
crossed with each other and a wide range of modern
hybrids and cultivars grown from healthy cuttings are
available for the home gardener to plant.
Because pincushions are part of the Cape fynbos
floral kingdom there might be a perception that they are
temperamental and difficult to grow in other provinces.
This is not true, because they fare very well elsewhere,
including in other rainfall climates, and once established
can even tolerate a little frost. The secret lies in how they
are planted and cared for.PLANT FOCUS
pride and joy!
Pincushion
Don’t give up on pincushions just because you
think you live in the wrong place!TE
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