The Essential Guide To The Leucadendron
Botanical Name: Leucadendron
Common Name: Leucadendron
General Knowledge: Leucadendron, known for its striking foliage and conspicuous cone-like flowers, originates from South Africa where it is a prominent feature of the Cape Floristic Region. In Australia, Leucadendron’s are primarily used in floral arrangements for their long-lasting and vibrant bracts that add an exotic touch to bouquets and garden designs. A fun fact about Leucadendrons is that many species are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants, with the male plants typically producing more showy bracts than their female counterparts.
Colour Range: Leucadendron comes in a range of single and bicolour including yellow, orange, red, pink, plum, and green. The exact colours depend on the specific hybrid.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Leucadendron is generally available year-round, but this can vary depending on the species, cultivar, or hybrid.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Due to its year-round availability, Leucadendron is a versatile option for weddings and events across different seasons in Australia. They are hardy and can be used in hand-tied, natural stemmed bouquets or bouquet holders as well as fully wired bouquets. They can be ‘feathered’ or split apart. The single bracts can be wired or tied down on bullion wire for a trailing affect.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Leucadendron is commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: Some varieties of Leucadendron are also imported into Australia.
Buying Tips: Look for Leucadendron with bright, vibrant bracts and leaves. Avoid those with dull or dried-out bracts, brown tips on the leaves or bracts, and any obvious insect damage.
Design Tips and Advice: Leucadendron can be used as line or transitional material in floral arrangements. It works well in bunches, bowls, hand-tied bouquets, and in both wildflower and traditional wedding bouquets and accessories. Long-stemmed cultivars are ideal for tall arrangements and sympathy designs. They can also be wired for more intricate designs.
Flower Maturity: Pick Leucadendron at a mature stage to enjoy its full beauty, especially if you want the central cone to be a more conspicuous feature.
Typical Stem Length: The stem length can vary significantly, ranging from 40 to 90 cm, depending on the species and cultivar.
Expected Vase Life: Leucadendron has an impressive vase life, ranging from 10 to 20 days.
Typical Bunch Size: Bunches typically contain between 5 to 10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Commercial floral preservative/floral food
Ethylene Sensitivity: Leucadendron is not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: For optimal freshness, Leucadendron should be stored in cool conditions, between 2 to 4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure that the stems are neatly cut and not crushed to promote water uptake. Regularly check the water quality and change it as necessary.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a temperature between 2 to 4 °C in cool rooms for long-term storing Leucadendron, and for shorter term storing, keep the flower at 6-8 degrees Celsius.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Leucadendron can be held up to 4 days dry or 1 week in water. Always use clean water and consider adding floral preservatives to extend vase life.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: While Leucadendron is not ethylene sensitive, always ensure proper care and handling to maintain its quality.