leucadendron chief

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Leucadendron Chief is a striking, hardy shrub highly valued by New Zealand gardeners for its vivid, season-long colour and robust performance. With upright stems and dramatic foliage that shifts from green to deep red, Leucadendron Chief brings year-round vibrancy to garden beds, containers, and borders. This unique variety is particularly prized for its easy-care nature and tolerance to coastal conditions, making it well suited for Kiwi gardens from the Far North to Otago. Whether you’re creating a feature display, adding structure to a mixed planting, or seeking the perfect plant for floral arrangements, Leucadendron Chief stands out as an ideal choice.

Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge. The leaves emerge green with bronze tones in spring, age to become dark green, then develop colourful shades of red in autumn before falling as it grows to 12 m tall and 7 m wide. Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' makes a lovely specimen and is an excellent choice for adding to a mixed planting, using as a backdrop for smaller plants, or using in an avenue planting.

Buy Cornus Cherokee Chief

From $299.92

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 7.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese

Leucadendron Plum Supreme

Leucadendron Plum Supreme is grown for its amazing, Protea like flowers. The flowers produced from summer through winter comprise large, plum-red blooms with a yellow centre. It has a tidy, erect growth habit and carries mid-green foliage with red tips. The plant typically reaches 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Leucadendron Plum Supreme is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used to provide interesting texture and elegance to a space, or maintained in a container. This plant suits modern gardens and looks amazing when used to border an entrance.

Buy Leucadendron Plum Supreme

From $43.13

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus and Leucadendron, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs and Deciduous Trees.

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Why Choose Leucadendron Chief?

Leucadendron Chief offers more than just eye-catching colour. During the cooler months, its foliage transforms into bold, fiery hues, becoming a true focal point in any landscape. The plant’s tough, drought-tolerant qualities mean it thrives in poor soils and windy sites, requiring very little maintenance once established. Leucadendron Chief typically grows to around 1.5 metres high, providing vertical interest and reliable colour when many other plants are at rest. Its nectar-rich cones also offer a nectar source for bees and native birds, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.

Growing Tips for Leucadendron Chief

For best results, plant Leucadendron Chief in full sun and free-draining soil. Minimal summer water is needed once established—overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. A light yearly prune after flowering helps maintain bushiness and encourages fresh, colourful growth. This hardy shrub thrives in exposed coastal gardens, urban landscapes, or even large pots. Because Leucadendrons are naturally low in nutrient needs, steer clear of heavy fertilisers; a handful of low-phosphorus product in autumn is all it needs.

Landscaping with Leucadendron Chief

Leucadendron Chief combines beautifully with other sun-loving, low-maintenance plants. For multi-tonal displays, try grouping it with other leucadendrons like Leucadendron Jenny Barker or the distinctive Leucadendron Clone 91. If you’re drawn to the “chief” colour theme, complement your planting with the deep burgundy tones of Lophomyrtus Indian Chief or the elegant, strappy foliage of Phormium 'Rainbow Chief'. For those looking to add a splash of summer colour, consider planting alongside Lagerstroemia 'Little Chief', known for its compact growth and stunning blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leucadendron Chief

Is Leucadendron Chief frost-hardy?
Yes, Leucadendron Chief tolerates light frosts once established, making it suitable for most New Zealand gardens.

How often should I water Leucadendron Chief?
Water young plants regularly to establish them. Mature plants are drought-tolerant and need very little supplementary watering.

Does Leucadendron Chief attract native wildlife?
Yes, its nectar-rich cones will entice bees and birds, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.

If you want an all-season plant that’s gorgeous, resilient, and supports local wildlife, Leucadendron Chief is a standout. Browse our range for even more leucadendrons, flax, and shrubs to suit every garden style and size.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.