Leucadendron Goldstrike

• Native to South Africa's Western Cape region, belonging to the diverse Proteaceae family. Adapted to Mediterranean climates with wet winters and dry summers.
• Produces vibrant golden-yellow cone-shaped flower heads surrounded by colourful bracts from autumn through winter. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants.
• Grows as an upright evergreen shrub with narrow, silvery-green foliage that provides year-round interest. Excellent for cut flower arrangements and dried flowers.
• Highly valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and ability to attract native wildlife including honeyeaters and lorikeets.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly in summer, reducing to monthly in winter once established. Check soil moisture 5cm down before watering.
• Position in full sun to light shade with protection from strong afternoon sun in hot climates. Minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
• Plant in sandy, well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0 - amend heavy soils with coarse sand and organic matter. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Feed with low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in early spring - avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers which can damage or kill the plant. Apply sparingly.
• Prune lightly in late winter after flowering, removing up to one-third of growth to maintain shape. Deadhead spent flowers regularly.
• Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for best colour development and compact growth habit. Morning sun with afternoon protection works well in hot climates.
• Water deeply but infrequently once established - allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter months.
• Provide excellent drainage with sandy or gravelly soil - add coarse sand or gravel to heavy soils. Avoid mulching directly against the stem.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flower heads to promote new growth.

• Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage - ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency. Plant in raised beds if soil is heavy clay.
• Scale insects on stems and leaves - treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray. Remove heavily infested branches and improve air circulation.
• Fungal leaf spot in humid conditions - avoid overhead watering and ensure good air flow around plants. Remove affected foliage promptly.
• Yellowing leaves from nutrient deficiency - use low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser sparingly. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers which can be toxic to Proteaceae plants.