Search
Close this search box.
Plant of the Month
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower

Sunshine Conebush

Leucadendron 'Jester' features lance-shaped leaves with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a bold and eye-catching display
Leucadendron 'Jester' features lance-shaped leaves with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a bold and eye-catching display

Plant Features

Eye-Catching Garden Feature
Leucadendron ‘Jester’ is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, lance-shaped leaves colored in vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a bold and eye-catching display. In late winter to early spring, it produces cone-like flower heads surrounded by colorful bracts that add further interest to the garden landscape. The bracts, which envelop small, inconspicuous flowers, offer a stunning contrast against the dark green foliage, enhancing the plant’s ornamental appeal. This cultivar’s unique floral displays and brilliant foliage make it a standout feature, capable of capturing attention in any garden setting.
Year-Round Color Provider
Native to South Africa, Leucadendron ‘Jester’ thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, rockeries, or as a dramatic focal point in mixed shrub borders. This drought-tolerant plant is well-suited for Mediterranean or coastal gardens, requiring minimal water once established. Its ability to endure poor soil and coastal conditions also makes it a resilient option for regions with sandy or rocky soil. ‘Jester’s’ vibrant colors and architectural form allow it to thrive in sunny locations, where it adds year-round color and beauty to outdoor spaces.
Versatile Garden Uses
Leucadendron ‘Jester’ not only enhances garden landscapes with its striking appearance but also offers practical uses in floral arrangements. The colorful bracts can be harvested and used fresh in bouquets or dried for long-lasting indoor displays, providing vibrant splashes of color and texture. Their resilience and low maintenance make them suitable for xeriscaping projects or gardens facing challenging growing conditions. In addition, ‘Jester’ can be effectively utilized in garden landscapes as focal points, accents, or in mass plantings, contributing to the dynamic and diverse visual appeal of garden settings.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Thrives in full sun, which enhances the coloration of its bracts and foliage.
Drought-tolerant once established. Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Requires well-draining, acidic soil. Amend with sand or other gritty material to improve drainage if necessary.
Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or diseased branches as needed. Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly.
It does not produce flowers in the traditional sense but has colorful bracts that look like flowers, peaking in winter and spring.

Explore Similar Plants

Breynia disticha features striking variegated foliage with splashes of pink, green, and white, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display.
Snowbush
Camellia sasanqua is a beautiful evergreen shrub with pink flowers that have a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that fills the air.
Sasanqua Camellia
Coprosma 'Taupata Gold' is a striking evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, prized for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage.
Taupata Gold Mirror Plant

Have an idea for a project?

We’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a FREE consultation with us to get started.