Today’s photo of the day, “Pincushion Protea,” comes to us from Dion Hamman. Send your best photos from Maui County to mauiphotos@mauinews.com for a chance to see them featured on our website and in ... Growers are having fun with pincushion protea.

Understanding the Context

From ground cover to large shrubs for warm climates, these cultivars scream “flower power.“ The pincushion protea is scientifically known as Leucospermum. It is a stunning floral native to South Africa, but has found a hospitable home in California’s diverse horticultural landscape. Leucospermum, commonly known as pincushions, [3] is a genus of evergreen upright, sometimes creeping shrubs that is assigned to the Proteaceae, with currently 48 known species. Known as the "Pincushion Protea," these South African beauties look like nature’s own fireworks display frozen in time.

Key Insights

Native to the fynbos regions of the Cape, they are famous for their architectural "pincushion" blooms that can last for weeks on the bush or in a vase. Hybrids and cultivars of our indigenous Pincushion Proteas are grown the world over for the cut-flower trade, and are probably one of the most distinctive and recognised flowers on the planet. In South Africa, where they hail from, you will find pincushions in flower from July to November. The Pincushion Protea (Leucospermum cordifolium) is a striking perennial known for its bright, spiky, spherical blooms that resemble a pincushion. Native to South Africa, it can grow up to 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) tall and wide.

Final Thoughts

The Pincushion Flower is a flowering, subtropical, evergreen shrub, native to the Cape provinces of South Africa, and a member of the protea family. This family of about 1600 different species is found in the southern hemisphere, primarily in Australia and southern Africa. Learn the specialized preparation techniques and unique care regimen required to successfully grow Pincushion Proteas from seed. Plant Pincushions/Protea in a full sun, or partly shaded areas or location, giving it room for good air circulation, and growth. I also recommend giving them about 4' feet of space from other plants for full display, and uniformity. Easy Easter Centerpiece featuring Pincushion Protea.

Simple Tropical Flower Arrangement. Distinctive dome-shaped flower heads which look like a pincushion filled with pins.