Monster Conebush

Leucadendron 'Monster' is an evergreen South African shrub with yellow flowers in winter and spring; pink seed cones follow flowering. Its long stems are useful for cutting, and the mature shrub needs a sunny, open position with well-drained soil. ## Growing Conditions Give this cone-bush full sun and sharply drained soil. Leucadendrons prefer slightly acidic soil and become drought tolerant once established, though new plantings need regular attention while roots settle. Avoid waterlogged ground, which can stress plants adapted to free drainage. The genus includes many forms, so allow the mature specimen room to develop rather than crowding it against paths or neighboring shrubs. The [UC Santa Cruz Arboretum plant profile](https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/wordpress.ucsc.edu/dist/f/149/files/2025/10/norries-binder-web-version.pdf) describes this selection’s flowering season, color, and cutting stems; the [UC Master Gardener guide](https://ucanr.edu/blog/uc-master-gardeners-diggin-it-slo/article/leucadendron) covers general soil and water needs for the genus. ## Maintenance After flowering, prune selectively to shape the shrub and remove spent stems. Leave leafy growth below each cut so the plant can renew itself. Use clean pruners and avoid cutting back into bare woody sections.