Rocket pincushion (Leucospermum reflexum) profile

Rocket Pincushion, scientific name Leucospermum reflexum, is an evergreen shrub. Rocket Pincushion stands upright. Leaves are small, bluish-gray or grayish-green. Inflorescences are capitate, globose, flowers dense, tubular, slender, deep red, styles long, open in spring and summer. The lowest temperature tolerance is 10℃.

Rocket pincushion picture

Morphological characteristics of rocket pincushion

Rocket Pincushion is an evergreen shrub. Rocket Pincushion stands upright. The twigs rise. Leaves are small, bluish-gray or grayish-green. Inflorescences are capitate, globose, flowers dense, tubular, slender, deep red, styles long, open in spring and summer. The lowest temperature tolerance is 10℃.

Rocket Pincushion's ecological habits

Rocket Pincushion prefers sandy soils with good light and drainage, which should be free of phosphates and nitrates.

Growing rocket pincushion

Rocket Pincushion comes from the winter fall region where temperatures can soar to well over 30°C in summer and drop below zero in winter, so they can be grown in most areas as long as the soil is well-drained and on the acid side, and they receive water during the winter months. Rocket Pincushion can tolerate a fair bit of cold and can even tolerate some frost. They will not, however, grow in areas that are hot and humid, as they are very prone to fungal problems under these conditions.

Pruning is not necessary unless the bush needs to be shaped as this plant normally deadheads itself and the new branches then grow up from the position below the old flower head. If cutting for the vase, then it is advisable to make the cut into an area where there are still leaves and this will encourage branching. Cuts, where there are no leaves, will simply cause die-back of the remaining portion of the branch.

Rocket Pincushion pests and diseases

The infection can be a problem with temperatures above 18°C and the relative humidity is above 75%, good air circulation is the best preventative measure for the infection.

How to harvest rocket pincushion

Harvest the seeds 2 months after flowering. Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds when mature.

How to propagate rocket pincushion

Seed

Citing practical discussions about Sowing time best during autumn. Citing 3-4 m and discussing depth should be 1.5 times deeper than the size of the seed. The seed germinates better when treated with smoke.

Cuttings

Cuttings can be taken in late summer or autumn and should be growing in an upright position on the bush.

Rocket pincushion uses

Decorative large flowering shrub for the garden attracts birds and is an excellent cut flower.