Hakea laurina
pincushion hakea
Overview
Hakea laurina is an evergreen large shrub or small tree of the protea family, reaching 8-20 feet (2.5-6 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 m) wide, with smooth grey bark and an upright, rounded crown. The blue-green leaves are leathery and laurel-like, 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) long, entire rather than divided, with several prominent lengthwise veins. From autumn into winter it produces globular flower heads 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) across, each a deep crimson ball pierced by long cream styles, resembling a pincushion. The flowers are honey-scented and rich in nectar, drawing nectar-feeding birds. Native to the south coast of Western Australia, it grows on well-drained sandy and gravelly soils in a dry-summer climate, and is widely planted as an ornamental and street tree in warm-temperate and Mediterranean regions. It tolerates drought and poor soil once established but declines in wet, poorly drained ground and under prolonged hard frost. Growth is moderate, with flowering beginning a few years after planting. Woody seed capsules persist on the branches, and the dense crown can be pruned to shape after flowering.
Native Range
Native to the south coast of southwestern Western Australia, where it grows on well-drained sandy and gravelly soils in a dry-summer climate. It occurs in open scrub and woodland of the region.Suggested Uses
Used as an ornamental specimen, screen, windbreak, and street tree in warm, dry-climate gardens. Suited to low-water and coastal plantings on free-draining soil, spaced 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 20'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Globular crimson pincushion flower heads open from autumn into winter, roughly May to August, along the branches. Each head is about 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) across, crimson with protruding cream styles, and honey-scented. The nectar draws honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds through the cooler months.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Crimson with cream stylesFoliage Description
Blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 7-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight