A tall WA shrub with narrow needle leaves and brilliant red-orange flower spikes held like pokers along the stems in winter and spring. A spectacular bird-attracting feature and cut flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Red Pokers
Hakea bucculenta is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and orange flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Red Pokers
Red Pokers suits Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Red Pokers does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Red Pokers is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Pokers after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Red Pokers in the garden
Red Pokers earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Pokers with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Red Pokers
Plant Sale lists Red Pokers as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.