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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Pokers handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Pokers after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance 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
Red Pokers sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
