A large shrub or small tree with blue-green leaves and striking crimson pincushion flowers tipped with cream styles through autumn and winter. A nectar magnet for honeyeaters.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Pincushion Hakea
Botanically, Hakea laurina is a moderate-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red and pink flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Pincushion Hakea
Pincushion Hakea suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Pincushion Hakea does best in free-draining, sandy and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Pincushion Hakea 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 Pincushion Hakea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Pincushion Hakea in the garden
Pincushion Hakea earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Pincushion Hakea with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Pincushion Hakea
Plant Sale lists Pincushion Hakea as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Pincushion Hakea seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.