Seeds should be collected in October/November and then sown in March/April in a well-drained seedling mix. They should be kept damp, not wet. Transplant into a well-drained sandy mix when about 30 mm tall. Plant out into an acid, sandy, well-drained sunny area in the garden, and water regularly until established. Small plants transplant better than big ones into the final planting position. In the winter rainfall area it should cope without too much water once it is established, making it an ideal waterwise plant. In summer rainfall areas this plant should receive some water during autumn, winter and spring months also.

Place the plants in the garden where either early morning or late afternoon (or preferably both) sunshine can backlight the plant to best advantage. Companion plantings of proteas, ericas and restios are obvious choices for the fast-growing featherhead, but this decorative plant will grow happily among other plants as well, as long as the soil is well drained. It can also be grown in containers. Lightly prune back in late spring to maintain a compact shape and prevent the plants from becoming woody. Collect seed so that new plants can be set out every four to five years as they are at their loveliest when young; they become woody and leggy when older.