One of the hardiest and easiest to grow is leucadendron, commonly called cone bush.
From the sfgate.com
And blossoms of leucadendron hybrids would be conversation starters.
From the sfgate.com
In the shallow soil at the top of the slope are South African proteas and silver-leaved leucadendron.
From the independent.co.uk
Plant lavender, protea, leucadendron and tea tree in a well-drained rocky, neutral to alkaline soil.
From the nzherald.co.nz
An African garden features watsonia, protea and leucadendron.
From the nzherald.co.nz
Cut antique hydrangea, leucadendron and arbutus to size.
From the sfgate.com
A more reliable option would be leucadendron or protea which grow to similar dimensions and handle the dry with aplomb.
From the nzherald.co.nz
Foraged arbor vitae foliage forms the base, into which she places the decorative stems of leucadendron, dark pine cones and vibrant crimson roses.
From the washingtonpost.com
More examples
Large genus of evergreen trees and shrubs having silvery white leaves and solitary terminal flowers with conspicuous silvery bracts
Leucadendron is a genus of about 80 species of flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, endemic to South Africa, where they are a prominent part of the fynbos vegetation.