Plant in well-drained, amended (acidic) soil, along with full sun to ensure a bountiful bloom. It is drought tolerant and cold hardy to about 25 degrees F. Though relatively short lived in the garden, on average lasting about eight years, these plants can be a major and dramatic focal point in the garden and the flowers are great in arrangements. This is a great garden plant with long lasting display.

This plant was introduced by Proteaflora Enterprises of Australia in 1984 and is thought to be the result of crossing Leucospermum cordifolium with Leucospermum tottum. It inherits the smaller flowers from Leucospermum tottom and flower color from Leucospermum cordifolium. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'leukos' meaning "white" and and 'sperma' meaning "seed" in reference to the white fleshy skin, called a elaiosome, that covers the seeds. This cultivar is similar to a plant introduced by Hawaiian protea growers that is called 'Firefly'. We grew this variety in 2007 and 2008. 

The information about Leucospermum 'Firewheel' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.