Nodding Pincushion

The Nodding Pincushion is a rounded, spreading evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and arching stems that lift large, spherical flowerheads. It flowers from early spring to mid-summer, and heads may be orange, red, or yellow, with color varying among plants and forms. Native to South Africa’s Cape region, it is grown as a feature shrub and for long-stemmed cut flowers ([Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/114335/leucospermum-cordifolium/details), [SANBI Biodiversity Advisor](https://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/search/detail/863b3a9e-0b04-4e0a-8d5e-c75e5d20768d)). ## Maintenance Give it full sun and fast-draining sandy or loamy soil with low nutrient levels; slightly acidic to neutral conditions suit it. For greenhouse or container culture, use low-nutrient compost in full light. Water sparingly in winter without letting the root medium dry out, and avoid rich compost. Trim after flowering if needed to control its size; the stems are also useful for cut-flower arrangements.