Mulch around to suppress weeds. The silver tree has long attracted the attention of travellers, plant collectors, botanists and gardeners. Rebelo et al. They are at their most silver in hot, dry weather, when the hairs lie flat to protect the leaves from drying out. Endangered means that it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. He called it 'Argyrodendros Africana' (silver tree from Africa ), and also recorded the name Witte Boom at the same time. Rebelo, Tony. Silky, silvery white foliage is striking. Vogts, Marie. Upright, stiffly conical shape. The upright branches are covered with large lance-shaped leaves, up to 150 x 20 mm, which overlap each other up the stem, concealing the thick branches. It is important not to dig around the base of a tree, or inside the drip line to avoid damaging the roots, as the root-rot fungus infects the plant via broken or damaged roots. Needs some humidity to thrive Leucadendron Care Must-Knows Give leucadendron a site in full sun with fast-draining, acidic soil. Its beautiful silver foliage is used in floristry and lasts well in the vase. Established trees can take occasional light frost. An infected tree can cope when the weather is cool and wet and appears to be healthy, but on the first hot, dry days in spring, or if the hot and drying berg winds blow, the damaged roots cannot get enough water to the leaves, and they wilt and die, sometimes within hours. Endangered in the wild in South Africa. Care. Being an upright growing tree the branches are covered in the lance-shaped leaves up to 15cm long and the silver sheen is caused by the thousands of soft hairs which also gives the appearance they are fringed. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. The USDA hardiness zone of this plant is 9 to 11. Try not to transplant larger plants. Stake young plants until root systems develop. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water your plants to increase watering efficiency and reduce fungal disease. These beautiful trees, with their light-reflecting, silky, silver leaves grow in dense stands on the slopes above Kirstenbosch and are unique to the Cape Peninsula, but this species is in danger of going extinct in the wild in the next 50 years if we don't take care of the remaining wild populations. Being an upright growing tree the branches are covered in the lance-shaped leaves up to 15cm long and the silver sheen is caused by the thousands of soft hairs which also gives the appearance they are fringed. In 1693, Sir Hans Sloane described and illustrated it as 'The Silver Pine-Tree' in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, from material brought from the Cape by Mr Goddard. The fungus invades the root system, entering where they have been damaged or broken, and impairs the tree's ability to take up water. We have combined these two powerful search tools into a single Find a Plant service searching over 250,000 plant records. Both the male and female flower heads have a faint, pleasant scent. Never judge a Leucadendron by its cover, for in the blink of an eye … Newer varieties ‘Burgundy Sunset’ and ‘Gypsy Red’ are also stunning. Nevertheless, many of the populations fall in protected areas or are being carefully managed and monitored, and as long as they remain protected, it is unlikely that this will happen. Prune back to the new growth for a neat, compact bush. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Leucadendron Species, Silver Tree (Leucadendron argenteum) supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. Both male and female plants are needed to produce fruiting cones. The alien grey squirrels also eat the seeds, taking them from cones as they are opening. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Missouri. Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer, Suggested planting locations and garden types Smith, C.A. Special Request. The Leucadendron plants grow best in full sun. In his Mantissa in 1771 he used this species as the basis for his definition of the genus Protea, calling it Protea argentea. They need full sun and free air circulation. If the rate of population reduction and habitat loss continues then this species will be Critically Endangered by 2025, i.e. Help prevent pests and diseases by thoroughly spraying trees in winter with Freeflo Copper and Aquaticus Glow. Needs some humidity to thrive This plumed parachute is the dried remains of the flower, still attached to the seed. Flowering time is spring (Sept.-Oct.). Virtually all of the features of the old searches are still available and in addition we have added several new features to create a more comprehensive and user friendly search experience. Best in USDA zones 9 - 11, although with care you may be able to grow them in a cooler zone. Seeds have been known to survive in the soil for 80 years. Other advantages of mulching are that the soil is kept moist, soil temperatures are kept down and the plant receives nutrients as it decomposes. Another factor is the way its habitat has become fragmented by pine and gum plantations and urban sprawl. It is best to plant them in open spaces and avoid crowding them with other plants. The leaves have also long been collected, pressed and dried for decoration or as a souvenir. suppliers. (white tree from Africa, the whole tree silver, silky leaves entire). Generally trouble free. In about a year the plant will grow to … .membership-promo > p { font-size: 2.4em } We'll notify you if we locate this plant and are able to ship to your area. In nature, silver trees grow on cool, east-facing slopes in soil derived from weathered granite that has a high moisture content but is free-draining. Mediterranean, Indoor, Flower Arranging, Drought Tolerant, Containers, Conservatory, Coastal, Architectural, Sub-Tropical. Leucadendron argenteum occurs on cool, eastern and southerly slopes on granite-derived clay soils, at 100-150 m, and trees are conspicuous on the slopes above Kirstenbosch. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. Although the seeds are large, relatively heavy nuts, they are equipped with a plumed parachute-like appendage, the dried remains of the flower, which carries it a considerable distance from its parent plant. Full Sun. Fernwood Press, Cape Town. .membership-promo { background-image: none !important } It is great for shelter by the coast, and has a … Leucadendron argenteum is very susceptible to this fungus, and it causes the death of 1-5% of wild populations every year. Keep the soil moist. Wittebome Station in Wynberg reminds us of the days when Wynberg was a village surrounded by large groves of the silver tree. Plant them about 1 m apart. Give the gift of RHS membership, Other common names The Leucadendron is the epitome of shape shifting, one of the hallmarks attributed to the Proteacea family.Forever elusive, never the same, colour swims through this genus right throughout the year. It was Salisbury and Brown that brought order to the family in 1807 and 1810, dividing it into the genera that we recognize today. Proteas, A Field Guide to the Proteas of Southern Africa, 2nd Edition. Protea Leucadendron Argenteum from Burncoose Nurseries available online to buy - Information: soft shiny silver leaves with velvety hairs and silver cone-shaped flowers. The genus Leucadendron is more prone to genetic variation than a genus that tends to self-fertilize, because of its cross-pollinating nature. Leucadendron argenteum is widely cultivated as an ornamental garden specimen. 2.5-4 metres, Time to ultimate height L. argenteum was extensively used as firewood. Don’t cut back so far that you reach the woody, leafless part of the stem, or no new growth will appear. Do not fertilize unless it is a No Phosphate fertilizer. L. argenteum is an erect, pyramidal to columnar tree with robust stems densely covered with narrow, pointed, shiny, silver-hairy leaves up to 15cm long. To be safe, test your soil's pH with an inexpensive soil test kit. Rarely requires feeding. May survive outdoors in the mildest areas in a warm, sunny position with poor, neutral to acid, free-draining soil. In the natural habitat, Leucadendron grows exceptionally well, but in the case of cultivation the specific needs of the plant have to be readily available to allow optimal production to produce high quality cut flowers and foliage. Williams, I.J.M. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. A pH of 6 or lower is best, but higher pH soils can be acidified with peat moss and sulfur. Feed with half-strength magnesium sulphate and urea in spring and autumn, Propagation Proteaceae, Genus Plant description: This lovely tree with its hairy, bright silver foliage is endemic to the Cape Peninsula’s Table Mountain range. (ed.). Unfortunately once it is noticed that a tree is infected, the roots will already have been badly damaged and it is too late to save the tree. Before planting, clear the site of weeds and dig in well-matured compost. 1972. Broadcast the seed evenly, firm down and cover with clean sand or milled bark to the depth of approximately 10 mm. After Care. Cape Plants, A Conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa. Water only in long dry spells. It is a waste of time, and a tree, to transplant an established tree. Some go so far as to say that only the Kirstenbosch and eastern slopes of Table Mountain populations are natural. They require a sunny position and a well drained soil, after that they are happy. The first record of the tree was in 1620 when Augustin de Beaulieu described it when he visited the Cape. Only the populations at Rhodes Memorial and Tafelberg Road grow on shale-derived soil. A Revision of the Genus Leucadendron (Proteaceae). Historical records indicate that Leucadendron argenteum once grew from Lion's Head, across the lower northern slopes and along the eastern foothills of Table Mountain, and one report says all the way the way to Muizenberg, but this is not entirely believed as the most southerly known population is Vlakkenberg and the Muizenberg slopes are thought to be too hot for the silver tree. You will see the previous year's cones, still silver, below the current season's growth, and older brown woody cones still further back. Leucadendrons are fascinating and beautiful flowering plants?as long as you know how to care for them. The Silver tree is an erect, well-proportioned, ornamental tree, 7-10 m tall, with a stout trunk and thick, grey bark. They are: This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects. The leaves have also long been collected, pressed and dried for decoration or as a souvenir. Stunning pink variegation develops a brilliant red flush as the weather cools. Weed regularly and mulch to help suppress weeds and reduce watering needs. (It suffers in heavy clay or high pH conditions.) Search by plant name, key attributes or both to find plant details and a list of They do best with well-rotted compost, low-dose or slow-release fertilizer and the soil around their base and inside their drip line should be left undisturbed particularly in areas where Phytophthora is known to occur. The name Leucadendron is from the Greek, leukos, meaning white, and dendron, tree. The seeds are also eaten by rodents, which collect and store the seeds in underground caches where many remain uneaten, and viable for many decades. When growing silver trees, remember that they are very sensitive to any root disturbance and do not dig around their base or inside their drip line. Rare and endangered. A favorite of florists and gardeners, award-winning Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' (Conebush) is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with rich, deep-red bracts forming at the tips of exceptionally long stems (over 3ft. It has inspired a few place names over the years, the earliest recorded being Witteboomen in 1672, a thicket on the way to Hout Bay. Use a medium with good drainage, water thoroughly and place in a well ventilated, sunny position to grow on. The stems are clothed in leathery, stalkless leaves Details L. argenteum is an erect, pyramidal to columnar tree with robust stems densely covered with narrow, pointed, shiny, silver-hairy leaves up to 15cm long. The intensity of the sheen varies with the weather. The leaves that surround the flower heads, known as the involucral leaves, do not change colour while the tree is in flower, but they open wider, thus catching the light at a different angle and shining brighter silver than the rest of the leaves. A pH of 6 or lower is best, but higher pH soils can be acidified with peat moss and sulfur. Because this species was extensively planted in the days when it was used for firewood, there is a strong possibility that the outlier populations off the Peninsula are not natural but were planted in the 1700s and 1800s and naturalized. Pruning Leucadendrons – How To Prune A Leucadendron Plant. The Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town. It consists of 83 species, most of which occur in the Western and Eastern Cape with a few outliers in KwaZulu-Natal. Seedlings are ready to transplant into individual containers when the first pair of true leaves appear. The small yellow-orange flowers are fringed with long, white hairs, and are partially hidden behind the floral bracts so that only the tips can be seen. Leucadendron argenteum (Silver tree) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 4m after 5-10 years. Brown conserved the name and redefined the genus Leucadendron and based it on L. argenteum. Protea Atlas Project. The Leucodendron argenteum is suited to most well-drained soils and will also grow in clay and in partially rocky areas if nurtured until established. 1966. Young trees require regular deep watering in winter for their first two years, but once established they are water-wise. At Kirstenbosch, the seedlings are often transplanted directly from seedbeds in the nursery into open ground and not grown in bags in the nursery, with good results. Its beautiful silver foliage is used in floristry and lasts well in the vase. Care must be taken not to disturb the roots as this makes them susceptible to the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected The male florets are in rounded heads, 40 x 50 mm wide, the florets are silver to pinkish silver in bud and yellow and pink when open. face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, and could be Extinct in the Wild by 2050. 4-8 metres, Ultimate spread These plants will have a lot more details displayed including an image. Endangered in the wild in South Africa. silver tree South African pine, Family It is thus best to practice preventative measures. In spring and summer produces terminal, spherical flower heads, yellow-green on male plants, greenish silver on females. The threats that Leucadendron argenteum faces today are urbanization, timber plantations, the transformation of its habitat from fynbos to forest due to fire exclusion, fragmentation of the remaining populations, invasion of its habitat by alien plants, predation of its seed bank by alien squirrels, too-frequent fires, and the root rot fungus Phytophthora. Each seed is equipped with a plumed parachute-like appendage, which aids in dispersal of the seed. Leucadendron argenteum is an erect, well-proportioned, ornamental tree, 7 - 10 m tall, with a stout trunk and thick, grey bark. They need a sunny position, with good air circulation, well-drained (sandy) soil, plenty of water, particularly in autumn-winter-spring and protection from frost. Porous soil with adequate drainage. As long as there are still leaves on each stem, you can cut the plant down pretty drastically. The banksia is tough, hardy, and good for the birds. If you select any attributes with or without a plant name, you will see a much narrower selection of results taken only from the old RHS Plant Selector database. As a general rule, one watering per week is sufficient. Rare means that it has a small population and a restricted distribution range, which puts it at risk from sudden or unexpected changes. (It suffers in heavy clay or high pH conditions.) Leucadendron argenteum (Silver tree) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 4m after 5-10 years. Leucadendron argenteum Silver Foliage, Silver Tree - Beautiful, Difficult Can Be Short Lived (7-10 years) pH Tolerance: 6.3 - 5.0 Nutrition: Light Feeder Drainage: Cool, Moist, Well Drained Prune: To Shape or >1/2 Size In Late Winter Climate: Light Frosts, Cool Summers, North Slopes & Coastal to be submitted to Strelitzia. manuscript version Dec 2006. Cultivation But, they are actually quite easy to grow if they are treated correctly and have been known to thrive far from their natural home. Suggested uses. Leucadendron care is not difficult, as long as your growing conditions are right. Try an advanced search, RHS Registered Charity no. Silver trees thrive on the forest margin where fires are infrequent, but it is also thought that the fire-exclusion management of land that contains natural populations has caused these populations to become moribund with mostly older trees and few saplings and overall fewer individuals over time. 10-20 years, Cultivation Alice Notten & Liesl van der WaltKirstenbosch National Botanical GardenNovember 2008, Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade). Leucadendron argenteum is fast-growing but relatively short-lived, rarely living longer than 20 years. Otherwise grow in a warm greenhouse in a mix of 3 parts peat-substitute, 3 parts grit or perlite and 1 part lime-free compost. The largest populations are at Kirstenbosch, Wynberg Hill and Lion's Head. In 1701, Commelin published a drawing of a young Leucadendron argenteum specimen cultivated at the Medical Garden in Amsterdam and a mature cone and a fruit brought from the Cape. This genus is named after and based on the silver tree, from its common name witteboom, meaning white tree, as it was known in the 1690s when the genus was first named. The female cones are formed by overlapping bracts, known as floral bracts, which are silver with a pink tinge. During the first two years the plants must be watered regularly. Field Guide to Fynbos. Plants in pots or bags should be planted out or potted up into bigger bags before the roots grow through to prevent damaging the roots. Care must be taken not to disturb the roots as this makes them susceptible to the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. Learn more about how and when to prune leucadendrons to get the most out of their flowering potential with the information found in … Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries Farms on the Peninsula called Witteboom or Silverhurst were named for this tree. Leucospermum is a genus of evergreen upright, sometimes creeping shrubs that is assigned to the Proteaceae, with currently forty-eight known species.Almost all species are easily recognised as Leucospermum because of the long protruding styles with a thickened pollen-presenter, which jointly give the flower head the appearance of a pincushion, its common name. Well drained soil. Leucadendron are also very easy-care. A typical feature of a population of silver trees is the occasional dead plant in amongst the living. Description Beautiful, smallish shrub, with green leaves and profuse purple- red blush in winter-spring. Leucadendron argenteum plants, particularly young plants, are very susceptible to Phytophthora and it can wreak havoc in the nursery. The species name argenteum is Latin and means silver, silvery or ornamented with silver, referring to its striking silver foliage. The stems are clothed in leathery, stalkless leaves, Details When establishing a Protea or Leucadendron, pruning is a marvellous idea. It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. The seeds are kept safe in the large woody cones on the plant and are released en masse after a fire. Euphorbia leucodendron, native to Madagascar, forms spineless, rounded pencil-like green stems with darker polka dots to 1/2 in diameter. While more commonly known as a conebush, the plants Greek name is actually something of a misnomer. Trees can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. A single specimen is also very striking. We'll notify you if we locate this plant and are able to ship to your area. 2001. to make the body of mice or hedgehogs. Common names of South African plants. The leaves have also long been collected, pressed and dried for decoration or as a souvenir. Kolbe first recorded the name silverboom in 1705-1713, but the name was in use long before then. It needs acid soil and will grow in winter rainfall regions.