Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
Pincushion protea (Leucospermum cordifolium) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Coastal fynbos of the Western Cape, South Africa. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Pincushion protea in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pincushion protea at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal fynbos of the Western Cape, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Pincushion protea toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
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 Pincushion protea
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
See Pincushion protea in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
- Kirstenbosch (16 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (3 plants)
Questions about Pincushion protea
- How far apart should I plant Pincushion protea?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Pincushion protea need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pincushion protea need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pincushion protea?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Pincushion protea flower?
- From about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pincushion protea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
- What grows well with Pincushion protea?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pincushion protea. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs acid, sandy, well-drained soil and low phosphorus; short-lived in cultivation and sensitive to root rot.
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
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia
- Common sugarbush Protea repens