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Leucospermum glabrum is a rounded evergreen shrub or
small tree, up to 2.5 meters tall and 1.5 meter across.
It belongs to the family Proteaceae. It is native to
Zimbabwe and South Africa where they occupy a variety of
habitats. The genus is closely related in evolution and
appearance to the Australian genus Banksia .
The flowers are large and spherical, about 10cm in
diameter. The tips are orange/yellow and the rest is a
deep red. It is extremely attractive as a cut flower. It
flowers in late Spring to early Summer. The leaves dark
green, glossy, spirally arranged, tough and leathery, 2-12
cm long and 0.5-3 cm broad.
Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 5°C/40°F) in Winter.
It is adaptable to many soil types and climates and is
more resistant to frost than most other Leucospermums.
The plant prefers light sandy soils. Requires well-drained
soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. This plant
prefers acid soils and can grow in very acid soil. It
requires dry or moist soil. Those plants are very
sensitive to nitrates and phosphates in the soil, these
can prove toxic even at moderate levels. When fertilizing,
use a product which contains no phosphorus. Plants may
also suffer from magnesium deficiency. It cannot grow in
the shade. Dislikes high humidity or windless days.
Requires full exposure to the sun. Requires a position
with good air circulation, but sheltered from cold winds.
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