Leucospermum 'Sunrise' (Early Salmon Pincushion) - A shrub to 5 to 6 feet with a profusion of medium-sized (about 4 inch) rich dark salmon-colored flowers early in the season from late winter to early spring, nearly a month earlier than typical Leucospermum cordifolium cultivars.
Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil. Hardy to 25-27° F and responds well to pruning.
Leucospermum 'Sunrise' has shorter stem length than many of the cut flower pincushions, but it makes up for this by its profusion of bloom early in the season and its durability and vigor in the garden. The International Proteaceae Register & Checklist notes that this plant originated from the Fynbos Unit of the Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute of South Africa where the cross between Leucospermum cordifolium and L. patersonii was made in 1975, the selection made in 1980 for a 1984 introduction and registration in 1992, though the name originally published in 1983 was 'Earlybird'. We sold this variety from 2008 until 2018.
This description of Leucospermum 'Sunrise' is based on our research and our observations of this plant growing in the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We would appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written.
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