Leucadendron Salignum 'Safari Sunset'
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‘Safari Sunset’ Conebush
Botanical Name: Leucadendron salignum × laureolum ‘Safari Sunset’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
A premium, long-stemmed conebush prized for its deep burgundy-red bracts (strongest colour in cool weather), wind-shearing toughness and superb performance as a cut flower. Ideal for striking screens, feature planting and coastal gardens in SA.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 2–2.5 m H × 1.5–2 m W (upright, multi-stemmed)
- Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Narrow, leathery olive-green leaves; young growth and upper foliage often red-tinted, especially in cool seasons
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Flowers: Rich red bracts surrounding the cones; main colour late autumn–winter into spring (cut stems are floristry favourites)
- Seasonal Interest: Evergreen architecture year-round; burgundy bracts and red stems peak through the cool months, fading to warm tones as weather warms
- Wildlife Value: Dense structure for shelter; cones/bracts provide seasonal pollinator interest
- Tolerance: Coastal & wind tolerant, heat & drought tolerant once established; light–moderate frost. Low-phosphorus feeder—avoid P-rich fertilisers
- Planting Density: Shrub borders/hedges: 1.2 m apart (≈1 per metre for a dense screen)
- Pet Friendly: Not known to be toxic; generally regarded as non-toxic (still avoid ingestion)
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun for strongest colour and compact habit
- Soil: Very well-drained sandy/loamy soils; prefers acidic to neutral conditions; avoid waterlogging
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
- Maintenance: Cut stems after display or lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape; do not cut into bare old wood; use low-P native fertiliser only
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
- Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
- Soil pH: Acidic–neutral preferred
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Statement screen or hedge with bold winter colour and clean lines
- Feature shrub in gravel/ Mediterranean schemes; pairs with olives, rosemary and grasses
- Cut-flower patch—long, durable stems for arranging (peak quality in cool months)
Why You Will Love It
‘Safari Sunset’ brings show-stopping winter colour, rugged coastal toughness and arm-loadable cut stems—a reliable, low-fuss performer that earns its keep in SA gardens.