How to grow hakea
Overview
Hakea laurina is a small evergreen tree or large shrub from Western Australia, grown for its striking pincushion-like pink and cream flowers and attractive blue-green foliage. It is bird-attracting and drought-tolerant once established. Key to success is excellent drainage and low-phosphorus feeding.
Varieties
- Hakea laurina 'Silver Sword' — Notable for its silvery-blue foliage, making a striking contrast in Australian gardens.
- Hakea laurina 'Kurara' — A more compact form with denser habit, ideal for smaller gardens or hedging.
Soil Preparation
Prefers sandy or gravelly loams with an acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). Improve heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel and ensure excellent drainage. Add a small amount of organic matter if needed, but avoid rich, fertilised soils.
Growing Guide
Position in full sun with well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites. Space plants 2–3 m apart, either as specimens or in a hedge. Dig a hole twice as wide and no deeper than the root ball, backfill with native soil and a low-phosphorus slow-release fertiliser. Water deeply after planting, then taper to occasional deep watering once roots are established. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Sowing
Sow seed 1 cm deep in a well-drained seed-raising mix after soaking in warm water for 24 hours to improve germination. Keep moist and warm (20–25°C); germination can take 3–6 weeks. Direct sowing is possible but transplanting seedlings or using semi-hardwood cuttings is more reliable.
Care
Apply a native-specific low-phosphorus fertiliser in early spring. Mulch with organic matter (keep away from the trunk) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly just after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant; heavy pruning can reduce next season's flowers.
Companion Planting
Plant with other bird-attracting Australian natives such as Grevillea, Callistemon, or Banksia. Avoid placing near high-phosphorus feeders or plants that require frequent watering, as Hakea needs lean, dry conditions.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects may attack stems and leaves; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil. Root rot (Phytophthora) is common in poorly drained soils; ensure drainage and avoid overwatering. Possums and birds may damage flowers, but this usually doesn't threaten the plant's health.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: caused by poor drainage or overwatering; improve soil drainage and reduce watering. Brown leaf edges: often from frost damage or salt burn; protect from heavy frost and avoid excessive salt in soil. Poor flowering: due to high-phosphorus fertiliser or over-pruning; switch to native fertiliser and prune only lightly. Leggy growth: lack of full sun; move to a sunnier spot. Root rot: occurs in wet clay soils; replant on a mound or improve drainage.