Leucadendron argenteum
silver tree
Upright, pyramidal to columnar tree with robust stems densely covered with narrow, pointed, shiny, silver-hairy leaves up to 15cm long. In spring and summer produces terminal, spherical flower heads, yellow-green on male plants, greenish silver on females. If pollinated these develop into silver cones that may remain on the plant for several years
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Yellow Green | Grey Silver | Grey Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Yellow Green | Grey Silver | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Leucadendron are small evergreen trees and shrubs grown for their cone-like clusters of flowers surrounded by large, leaf-like, often colourful bracts. Both male and female plants are needed to produce fruiting cones. The stems are clothed in leathery, stalkless leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
May survive outdoors in the mildest areas in a warm, sunny position with poor, neutral to acid, free-draining soil. Otherwise grow in a warm greenhouse in a mix of 3 parts peat-substitute, 3 parts grit or perlite and 1 part lime-free compost. Do not overwater. Feed with half-strength magnesium sulphate and urea in spring and autumn
Propagation
Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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