Cone Bush/Tulip Bush (Leucadendron), evergreen shrub, to 6 ft. in height, upright, vase-shaped growth habit, colorful leaf-like flower bracts and cones range from bright red to yellow, foliage color ranges from gray-green to variegated and burgundy tinged, full sun, tolerates wind and salt air, drought and deer resistant, does not like rich soil, excellent screen or foliage plant.
South African native related to Protea. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Inflorescences form at stem tips. In some shrubby species, conelike male flower clusters sit above showy colored bracts and have the look of giant daisies. Those of Leucadendron discolor and L. tinctum make striking cut flowers that dry well. Female flower clusters are less showy and develop into conelike seed clusters.
‘Safari Sunset’
This variety is vigorous and upright, 8 to 10 ft. tall and 6 to 8 ft. wide, with intensely red bracts in summer that fade to light yellow in the center by late winter; tolerant of frost and clay soils.
‘Safari Sunshine’
Grows 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide. Rich red bracts in late winter and spring. Leaves are heavily variegated in pink and creamy white.
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