Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin

Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin is a high yielding, very rewarding, protea species. Bearing long lasting flowers, ranging from pale pink to salmon orange flowers, they're well sought after flowers that will brighten up any flower arrangement.

Part of the unique, indigenous fynbos group of South Africa. Flowering season starts in mid October and lasts until the end of December and attracts an array of beneficial insects. As a result, they also attract a diverse range of insectivorous birds which makes for a lively, healthy garden attraction.

Consider all the benefits of this rewarding beauty of their flowers, in and out of the home and a low maintenance, hardy, waterwise indigenous shrub.

Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin Conditions

Like all proteas, they prefer to grow in acid, nutrient poor soils. In their natural habitat they are found at altitudes between 300 and 2000 m, on sandstone slopes, particularly in the mountains of the south western Cape, from the Cederberg to above Villiersdorp.

Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, they only naturally occurs in the winter rainfall area, with wet winters from May to September and hot, dry summers from December to the end of February. However they are adaptable to a wide variety of climates like the summer rainfall regions, and moderate frost regions.

Scarlet Ribbon pincushion, Leucospermum tottum are resilient plants that can withstand harsh coastal conditions, strong winds, poor sandy soils, full sun, and drought resistance once established.  Add a thick layer of mulch with bark, straw, leaves, around the base to suppress weeds and maintain consistent root temperature. However, be cautious to mulch in poorly draining soil, as it may lead to root rot.

Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin Pruning

Pruning the long flowering stems to use as cut flowers only benefits the plant by improving light penetration and increasing air circulation through the branches.

Only prune branches with flowers, as they carry flowers on 2 year old branches.

Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin Landscaping

a vigorous growing, much branched shrub that grows to approximately 1.5m x 2m in size. Plant them further back in garden beds to prevent overshadowing other plants. Bold and Beautiful, this protea species will create a textured contrast alongside reed-like restios and stately aloes and Nerine. For a natural look plant them in a gravel bed or rock garden alongside smaller succulents for a low-maintenance and water-wise garden. They are ideal for screening or hedging or just singularly  to enhance  any composition in the garden.

They can also grow in pots.

Leucospermum tottum - Scarlet ribbon pin Easy reference

Plant Type : Shrub

Height : Up to 2 m

Width: 1.5 m

Evergreen

Indigenous

Position : Full Sun
Moisture : Average water
Soil : Well Drained Soil
Wind :Wind Resistant
Frost :Frost Resistant

Flower

Time : Spring

Colour : Yellow Orange , Orange Red , Light Pink , Magenta , Pink Red , Light Red , Red , Dark Red , Crimson

Use : Decorative

NOTES

They are very sensitive to the fungal disease Phytophthora Cinnamomum. By the time the disease is noted it is too late to try and save the plant, but otherwise the plants are quite problem free. Also sensitive to phosphorus fertiliser.