(Apologies for the length of this and the fact it's off-topic) Bahia, Here's what the Annie's sign says: "Well, weve figured out how to propagate it, but its REALLY IFFY, takes a REALLY LONG TIME, & we only get a few!" For some reason I had assumed they meant propagation by cuttings--maybe not? But if seed packets are $3 with 10-20 seeds per packet (I don't know if that's the case) then than roughly 5% germination brings the seed price per seedling to closer to $5 maybe (neglecting those insignificant things such as labor...). Annie's says the plants were $50 last time they were offered, so perhaps 5% germination could make sense? The whole story behind germination actually sounds quite fascinating and has to do with ants. Here's a long description: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Seed "Myrmecochory is the dispersal of seeds by ants. Foraging ants disperse seeds which have appendages called elaiosomes (e.g. bloodroot, trilliums, Acacias, and many species of Proteaceae). Elaiosomes are soft, fleshy structures that contain nutrients for animals that eat them. The ants carry such seeds back to their nest, where the elaiosomes are eaten. The remainder of the seed, which is hard and inedible to the ants, then germinates either within the nest or at a removal site where the seed has been discarded by the ants. This dispersal relationship is an example of mutualism, since the plants depend upon the ants to disperse seeds, while the ants depend upon the plants seeds for food. As a result, a drop in numbers of one partner can reduce success of the other. In South Africa, the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) has invaded and displaced native species of ants. Unlike the native ant species, Argentine ants do not collect the seeds of Mimetes cucullatus or eat the elaiosomes. In areas where these ants have invaded, the numbers of Mimetes seedlings have dropped." From what I understand the removal of the elaiosome increases the germination rate, and it's not clear to me whether there's a way to mimic it. Plantzafrica mentions that suprisingly smoke treatment does nothing. Actually Silverhill did have a different Mimetes species, M. hirtus, a couple months ago. Unfortunately I saw it described by Plantzafrica as a marsh plant which didn't seem too practical. However they did seem to like it: http://www.plantzafrica.com/frames/plantsfram.htm "Sima Eliovson, author of Proteas for pleasure, referred to Mimetes hirtus as 'the most magnificent species of Mimetes, the most spectacular genus of the protea family'. Nevertheless, the future of the species is uncertain as it is also one of the most geographically restricted mimetes, growing only in boggy areas mainly at low altitudes. As a consequence of the latter, it is often out-competed for its preferred habitat by housing developments. Fortunately it is one of the less troublesome to grow in cultivation-an aspect that may aid its chance of survival as a species." They also add: "M. hirtus is a relatively short-lived member of the protea family. It grows rapidly as a result, and may start flowering after only two years of growth. Plants reach their peak by ten years of age and die shortly thereafter, at a maximum age of about fifteen years." Two years is pretty fast for a protea. Again, sorry for the length and for going off topic.

In LA it will appreciate periodic summer irrigation as long as drainage is good, but they are prone to phytopthera attack, so it is best to mulch to keep the soil cooler, and only water at night/early morning when soil temps are cooler. I's sugggest using an organic amendment such as cottonseed meal or alfalfa to help acidify the soil and provide essential nitrogen. You'll probably find it easier to grow proteas if you have more coastal influence and don't get too hot in the summer. I've had good luck with 'Tango' in a large glazed container for several years now in a cooler Sunset zone 16/17 microclimate, where it is already budding up to bloom. It generally blooms about 4 to 5 months for me under our local conditions, and has been a relatively easy Leucospermum to grow. Even easier to grow is Protea "Pink Ice', which doesn't require sandy and/or acidic soils to survive, and will also tolerate quite abit more summer heat and winter frost and still thrive.

Does anyone have these growing and able to save me some seeds I have grown the orange one from seed and I would like to grow the red and the yellow ones. please email me if so Bev

I have two Leucospermum right next to each other - one is browning (to the right of hte lights) and the other is doing fine (on the left). Both went in about 2 months ago - both bloomed wonderfully. Well drained soil (basic tropical plant soil around root ball and then I live on a sand dune a few feet further down - So Cal within 1/2 mile from coast). Ideas of what might be going wrong?