Leucospermum cordifolium 'Flamespike' (Ornamental Pincushion)

Leucospermum cordifolium is an upright, evergreen shrub. The flower heads are globe-shaped with a flattened top, 10–12 cm across, and are carried individually or with two or three together mostly at a right angle to its branch. The perianth is 3–3.5cm long, yellow, orange or crimson in color. From each flower emerges a 4.5–6 cm long style sticking out horizontally but curving upwards near the obliquely, shell-shaped, thicker pollen presenter. This gives each head the appearance of a pincushion. Its common name is Ornamental Pincushion in English and Bobbejaanklou in Afrikaans.

The variety 'Flamespike' is a small spreading shrub with dark orange-red terminal inflorescences from spring to early summer. Prefers an open sunny position in a moist, deep, well draining acidic soil. It is drought tolerant once established. Avoid fertilisers. H 1m x W 1.5m.