This time, our Leucadendron salignum ‘Golden Tip’ is surviving the summer. It’s in an area that receives zero irrigation, unlike the last plant that did get water about twice per month. It may not seem like much, but that was enough to completely rot the plant out. There could have been other factors involved, too – like phosphorus in the soil. Although it’s a normal component of fertilizers, these plants (and many others in their family) can’t tolerate the stuff.
The plant hails from a cooler, more coastal climate in South Africa. Although we share a Mediterranean climate, temperatures don’t normally climb as high in its native habitat. I’ve seen these for sale in nurseries, but would not recommend them unless you have a spot with well-drained soil, no fertilizer and no summer water. If you live in an acid, sandy soil type along the coast your plants should be very happy and grow without any care once established.