Leucadendron ‘Jester’

Leucadendron ‘Jester’ (Sunshine Conebush) –

Medium sized shrub 5′ x 5′ with beautiful pink varigated leaves & red flush in fall-winter-spring. Frost and drought tolerant once established. Slow growing initially. Great screen or hedge plant for well drained soils in full sun. Excellent foliage for cut flowers. One look at ‘Jester’ and one can understand why it is so named as it is definitely a clown in the garden sporting colors of bright pink, cream and green. Its other name, ‘Safari Sunshine’ is also nice as a reference to all of these colors and is a nod to it being a sport of ‘Safari Sunset’, though it is less vigorous is smaller. One look at ‘Jester’ and one can understand why it is so named as it is definitely a clown in the garden sporting colors of bright pink, cream and green. Its other name, ‘Safari Sunshine’ is also nice as a reference to all of these colors and is a nod to it being a sport of ‘Safari Sunset’, though it is less vigorous is smaller.

Cut branches are prized for use in arrangements and foliage material. Originally introduced into the trade by Duncan & Davies (New Zealand) in 1986 as ‘Jester’. It was granted protection under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) in New Zealand and South Africa under this name. In Brian Matthews’ “The Protea Book” he notes that ‘Jester’ and ‘Safari Sunshine’ are essentially the same plant.