PROTEA Leucadendron argenteum

Commonly known as Cape silver tree

Soft shiny silver leaves with velvety hairs and silver cone-shaped flowers. Endangered in the wild in South Africa
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Leaves 10-15cm (4-6in) long, yellowish-green on males and greenish-silver on females.
  • Green
    Greenish white or silver
  • Height
    6-10m (20-33ft)
  • Spread
    2-4m (6½-13ft)
  • Tree
    Erect, pyramidal to columnar small tree. Smooth, grey bark with distinctive horizontal leaf scars. Produces spherical flowerheads to 4cm (1½in) across, yellowish green on male trees, greenish silver on female, surrounded by lustrous bracts to 2cm (¾in) long. The silvery cones persist for several years.
  • Heated greenhouse - warm temperate
    Can be grown outside in summer. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 5°C (41°F)
  • Full sun

PROTEA Leucadendron argenteum

 

 

  • Additional Features
    Endangered in the wild
    These plants are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of 'Red Plants'. This is a list of threatened species in the wild, they are either critically, endangered or vulnerable to extinction.
    Pests & Diseases
    Red spider mites, under glass.
    Place of origin
    South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape)
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Greenhouse / conservatory
    Not the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winter
  • Hardiness
    Tender (greenhouse & conservatory)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 1
    Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
    When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

  • Seasonal Interest
    Spring
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Acid / ericaceous loving
    Free draining sandy soil
    Light, gritty soil. Will not tolerate cold, wet soil.
  • Tree Shape
    Broadly conical
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
6-10m (20-33ft)
tree - guide for size not form Average Person
  2-4m (6½-13ft)
 

Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
3 options from £3.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi
This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries. It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
Only £7.50

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Blood, Fish & Bone
Improves vegetable, fruit and flower quality. Blood, Fish and Bone contains three major nutrients essential for strong and healthy growth.
Only £6.00

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