Protea lepicarpodendron is commonly name Black Beard Sugarbush. The natural habitat of Protea lepicarpodendron is South Africa. Protea lepicarpodendron is a fast grower, small evergreen shrub, which may grow to about 2-3 metres in the garden. A very ornamental plant. It looks wonderful in the garden and as a cut-flower in a tall vase. This plant looks a lot like Protea neriifolia, except the flowers are cream to pink and heavily bearded with brown and purple/black hairs.The flowers are hermaphrodite, have both male and female organs and are pollinated by bees. Flowering all year round, depending on the locality. Bushes need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and promote flowers with long stems. When the shrub has finished flowering it is essential to cut off the old flowers. This will allow energy to be used for the growth of new stems at the end of which will be new flowers. It is best to cut the flowering stem back to about 10-12 cm from the preceeding branch. Hardiness zone 9, (-5øC/25øF). Plants tolerate both coastal conditions and temperatures down to about -5øc, although prolonged frosts, or frosts combined with cold dry winds will cause damage. The plant prefers sandy soils and granite. Requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. This Protea prefers acid soils. It requires dry or moist soil. Those plants are very sensitive to nitrates and phosphates in the soil, these can prove toxic even at moderate levels. When fertilizing, use a product which contains no phosphorus. Plants may also suffer from magnesium deficiency. It cannot grow in the shade. Dislikes high humidity or windless days. Requires full exposure to the sun. Requires a position with good air circulation, but sheltered from cold winds.