An upright shrub of inland WA and SA with slender grey leaves and dense cylindrical spikes of deep pink to red flowers in spring. A striking arid-zone bird-attracting feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 5 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Grass-leaf Hakea
Botanically, Hakea francisiana is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia and South Australia. It reaches around 5 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink and red flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Grass-leaf Hakea
Grass-leaf Hakea suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean 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
Grass-leaf Hakea does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Grass-leaf Hakea 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. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Grass-leaf Hakea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Grass-leaf Hakea in the garden
Grass-leaf Hakea 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
Combine Grass-leaf Hakea with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Grass-leaf Hakea
Plant Sale lists Grass-leaf Hakea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
