Hakea

Hakea is a fairly large genus of plants in the Proteaceae family (Grevilleas, Banksias, Proteas etc), there are around 150 species all up. All Hakeas are endemic to Australia and can be found in many different environments including the tropics, mountains, coasts and deserts. Flowers appear in winter/spring and grow in clusters which resemble small grevillea flowers, they leave hard woody seeds pods when spent. Most Hakeas are small to medium shrubs, but a few species will reach the size of a small tree.

Some varieties we have seen around recently.....

Hakea myrtoides

A semi prostrate shrub growing to only 50cm in height with a width of up to 1m. It has small prickly leaves and produces clusters of small deep pink flowers in winter and spring. Hakea myrtoides is native to Western Australia and requires near perfect drainage in order to thrive. They are often short lived in climates with summer moisture. This species makes a great rockery plant if these requirements are kept in mind.

Hakea 'Burrendong Beauty'

'Burrendong Beauty' was discovered in cultivation in the 1980's, it sprouted from a batch of seed sent from WA to NSW. As the plant matured and flowered, it became apparent that it did not resemble any known species. After some investigation there was a suspicion that the plant may have been a species which was thought to be extinct, unfortunately this was not the case. 'Burrendong Beauty' is now believed to be a hybrid between H.petiolaris and H.myrtoides.

'Burrendong Beauty' is a sprawling shrub reaching a height of 1.5m and a width of 3m. Its bright pink flowers are produced in axillary clusters all along the branches in winter and early spring. A light prune after flowering is recommended to keep the plant in shape.

Hakea Laurina x Hybrid

Hakea laurina is another species from Western Australia, there are various hybrids in cultivation. The wild species is an upright or sprawling shrub/small tree up to 6m. The flower heads are globe shaped, red in colour with bright white styles. Flowers in autumn and early winter.

Caring for Hakeas

Hakeas should be grown in full sun and very well drained soil. Give a light prune after flowering and only feed with a native low P fertiliser. Do not over water as this will likely prove to be fatal.