Leucadendrons are among the most versatile and rewarding plants within the Proteaceae family, valued for their striking foliage and long-lasting colour. To maintain a compact, well-shaped plant and encourage prolific seasonal colour, correct pruning is essential. This guide outlines when and how to prune Leucadendrons, helping to promote strong branching, balanced growth and reliable performance in Australian garden conditions.
As spring draws to a close, it is the ideal time to prune your Leucadendrons, as well as related varieties such as Leucospermum and Protea. Pruning is a simple and highly beneficial process that supports both plant health and flowering for the following season.
Leucadendrons are particularly forgiving, making them one of the easiest Proteaceae varieties to prune. They respond well to shaping and can tolerate relatively firm cutting back compared to other genera. Pruning encourages fresh growth, improves plant structure and enhances overall form.
The best time to prune is in late spring, immediately after flowering has finished. At this stage, temperatures are still relatively mild, allowing the plant to recover quickly before producing new shoots. The plant will continue to grow through summer and develop the stems that will carry next season’s colour and flowers.
The example below demonstrates pruning using Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’, showing the plant before and after pruning.
We will start with the branch in the front (image 1). Looking closely, you can see where the new growth has started (image 2).
The most common mistake is pruning these new shoots (see image 3). You do not want to prune like this as it encourages the plant to stretch rather than filling out in shape.
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Instead, prune each stem back to approximately 10cm from the base of the stem (image 4). If you are unsure of the correct length, your secateurs can be used as a simple visual guide to maintain consistency across the plant (image 5).
New growth is encouraged from this point (image 6) - which means the plant will form a better shape and fill out more.
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Pruning at the correct point stimulates multiple new shoots from below the cut, helping the plant to develop a dense, balanced structure. Over time, this results in a more refined shape and improved flowering performance.
It is important to always cut above areas with healthy leaves and active growth. Leucadendrons will not reliably reshoot from bare, leafless wood.
Once the main structure has been pruned, step back and assess the overall shape. Aim for a uniform height across all stems, creating a clean and cohesive form.
Remove any thin, weak or overcrowded stems, particularly those that disrupt the plant’s natural shape.
Tip: Always use clean, sharp secateurs and sanitise them regularly.
The end result
With consistent annual pruning, Leucadendrons will maintain a strong framework and reward you with vibrant foliage and long-lasting seasonal colour year after year.