Leucadendron: when and how to prune?

Leucadendron is a very handsome evergreen bush native to Cape region of South Africa. It bears superb colourful foliage, and from spring to the following summer depending on variety produces an original flowering with elliptical bracts in warm, changing tones. Its very exotic style is much appreciated! Leucadendron is a frost‑tender bush (it tolerates down to -5 / -8 °C in dry soil), so growing it in open ground should be reserved for coastal gardens spared from frost. In colder regions, grow it in a large pot and bring it under cover for winter. Pruning Leucadendron from time to time produces a well‑ramified bush and encourages it to flower. So, when and how should you prune it? Discover all our tips to prune a Leucadendron properly!

To learn more about growing it, consult our full fact sheet: "Leucadendron: planting, cultivation and care"

How to prune Leucadendron — Leucadendron salignum

Why prune Leucadendron?

Leucadendron can do without pruning, however pruning offers many advantages: it helps sanitise the bush by removing diseased, dead or damaged branches, encourages it to produce new flowers, and gives it a very harmonious and balanced habit.

It is also an opportunity to remove faded, unsightly flowers. Moreover, as Leucadendron tends to produce long, very straight shoots, pruning it will encourage it to ramify and adopt a more compact, denser habit, much more attractive. Flowers appear at the top of the shoots: cutting them preserves flowers at a reasonable height so you can enjoy them! You should however take into account the natural habit of the variety you grow: some are compact and spreading, while others are much taller and narrower.

Finally, if you grow Leucadendron in a pot for example on a balcony, pruning will help keep dimensions compact and suited to your space.

When to prune Leucadendron?

If you perform formative pruning, it is best to intervene in early spring, in March–April. This pruning allows selection of main branches and gives overall shape to the bush. For maintenance pruning, intervene later, as soon as Leucadendron has finished flowering, that is at the end of spring or at the end of summer depending on variety. We recommend pruning Leucadendron every year.

How to prune Leucadendron?

We recommend beforehand to clean and disinfect your cutting tools. This will prevent transmission of diseases from one plant to another. Likewise, it is preferable to make bevel cuts at about a 45° angle, to prevent rainwater from pooling on the wounds.

Start by cutting damaged, broken or dead shoots
Cut poorly positioned shoots, those that cross or unbalance the silhouette of the bush
Also remove faded flowers
Always cut just above an eye (leaf insertion point on the shoot). This will help the bush to heal, ramify and produce new shoots.
Identify the longest shoots and cut them back by half their length.
Do not hesitate to step back to assess overall shape of the bush and adjust pruning if necessary.