Common pagoda Mimetes cucullatus
Common pagoda (Mimetes cucullatus) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western and Eastern Cape (moist fynbos). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Common pagoda in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Common pagoda at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western and Eastern Cape (moist fynbos) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Common pagoda toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common pagoda
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Common pagoda in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kirstenbosch (10 plants)
Questions about Common pagoda
- How far apart should I plant Common pagoda?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Common pagoda need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common pagoda need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common pagoda?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Common pagoda flower?
- From about August for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common pagoda poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Common pagoda?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common pagoda. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- Fynbos: acid, low-phosphorus, sandy soil; no manure or phosphate fertiliser; needs good air movement and dislikes humid summers.
- Tiered red-and-yellow leaf bracts round the flower heads, stacked like a pagoda; resprouts after fire.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia