Another distinctive South African plant, Leucadendron salignum ‘Golden Tip’ will contrast with an existing large bronze New Zealand flax. The cut stems and flowers are very interesting in cut flower arrangements, the plant is evergreen and attractive year round. It takes very little water once established. The only drawback is that it can be tricky to grow – it seems to be one of those plants that is either happy the way things are and thrives on neglect or it just suicides.
Oh no! I just planted the Golden Tip in a 25 inch round pot. The nursery guy said it was carefree and drought tolerant. I live in the Central Valley of CA. Zone 9, and wanted to start conserving our water. We are Farmers and we are in dire need to rain. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
These plants generally don’t tolerate phosphate – so most fertilizers can kill the plants. They like sandy, fast-draining acidic soil – not clay. Their preferred climate is more coastal, and they don’t like summer water. There is one plant in South Land Park, Sacramento that seems to be thriving (we had nothing to do with this plant). Every time I’ve tried it here, it died. However, you might have better luck. The plant in Land Park is on a mound. I don’t know what (if anything) they did to amend the soil. Good luck – it is a beautiful plant if you can get it established and growing.