Orange Flame Pincushion
(Leucospermum erubescens)
Orange Flame Pincushion (Leucospermum erubescens)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 42629 |













Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leucospermum erubescens, commonly known as Orange Flame Pincushion, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa. It typically grows to a height of up to 2 meters (6 feet) and is characterized by its striking flowerheads, which start as yellow and mature to a deep crimson. The long styles protruding from the flowerheads resemble pins in a pincushion, giving the plant its common name. The blooming period extends from August to January in its native habitat, where it thrives in the nutrient-poor, well-drained soils of mountain slopes and coastal plains.
The Orange Flame Pincushion is valued for its unique and showy flowers, which make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and as cut flowers. It is often used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements once established. Gardeners should provide full sun and ensure good drainage to mimic its natural fynbos conditions. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is also prone to fungal diseases and pests such as aphids. To maintain its health and appearance, it may require occasional pruning to remove spent flowerheads and to shape the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Orange Flame Pincushion is valued for its unique and showy flowers, which make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and as cut flowers. It is often used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements once established. Gardeners should provide full sun and ensure good drainage to mimic its natural fynbos conditions. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is also prone to fungal diseases and pests such as aphids. To maintain its health and appearance, it may require occasional pruning to remove spent flowerheads and to shape the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos region of Southwestern South Africa, thriving on mountain slopes and coastal plains
Other Names
Common Names: Langeberg Pincushion, Oranjevlamspeldekussing
Scientific Names: , Leucospermum erubescens,
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucospermum erubescens Rourke