Leucadendron salignum is the most widespread species of the family Proteaceae, occurring in a large part of South Africa. It is common from Port Elizabeth in the east, to north of Ceres in the west. It occurs on a wide range of soil types, from sea level to an altitude of 2000 m and is quite variable in leaf size as well as leaf- and bract colour. Leucadendrons are dioecious, i.e. separate male and female plants. This is unusual in the protea family. Its long flowering season (May - Dec), coupled with colourful leaves and bracts surrounding the flowers, make this species an attractive garden plant.

Leucadendron salignum is a multi-stemmed shrub with a persistent rootstock, which enables it to resprout after fire. In its natural conditions it grows to a height of 0.75 to 2 m. The variability of growing conditions, from mild winter temperatures to snow and frost near mountain tops, as well as the variability of leaves and bracts, from greenish-yellow to vivid orange-red, have made this species an excellent candidate for breeding. In addition, this species adapts well to vigorous pruning, which makes it suitable for the production of cut foliage on a large scale.

These characteristics have made the species a natural choice for the wild flower industry. There are a range of plants in cultivation, which differ markedly from the usual parent species, most often in growth form, leaf- and bract colour and flowering time. They may be either selections, known as 'cultivars' or hybrids, i.e. 'crosses' between species. Many hybrids and cultivars have been produced in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and other countries growing Proteaceae.

At Kirstenbosch only a few of the hybrids are grown, mostly L. x 'Safari Sunset', a hybrid of L. laureolum x L. salignum. This is one of the best known leucadendrons and an export flower crop in several countries. It is a tall, erect and vigorous shrub up to 2.5 m high. It produces large deep-red bracts on long stems from autumn through to late spring. These flare open to show cream centres when flowering.

L. x 'Silvan Red' is a hybrid of the same two species with a slightly lighter colour than ''Safari Sunset' and although usually hardy, is not as frost hardy as 'Safari Sunset'.

Growing Leucadendron salignum

Cultivars and hybrids can only be propagated vegetatively. Cuttings have to be made from semi-hardwood, 6-10 cm long, of the current season's growth. The cuttings are dipped for about four seconds in a rooting hormone solution and placed in a growing house with bottom heat (25ºC) and intermittent mist. The cuttings grow fast and are ready to be planted out after a year.