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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Pincushion 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. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
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
Combine Pincushion Hakea with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and Mediterranean 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 Pincushion Hakea
Plant Sale lists Pincushion Hakea as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Pincushion Hakea seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
