Hakea mitchellii
desert hakea
Overview
Hakea mitchellii is an evergreen shrub in the family Proteaceae, growing 3–8 feet (0.9–2.4 m) tall and 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide, with a dense, rounded habit. The leaves are stiff, needle-like, and round in cross-section, 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6 cm) long, ending in a sharp point. Cream to white flowers are packed into small clusters along the branches in winter and spring, with a light fragrance. Woody, beaked fruits about 0.8–1.2 inches (20–30 mm) long follow and stay closed on the plant until opened by fire or death of the branch. The shrub is native to semi-arid mallee and woodland across southern Australia. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor, well-drained soils once established and is hardy to moderate frost. The sharp leaves make it a barrier and a shelter for small birds, though they are sharp to handle. It declines in wet, poorly drained ground and grows in dry, sunny positions.
Native Range
Hakea mitchellii is native to southern Australia, across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia. It grows in semi-arid mallee, heath, and open woodland on sandy and rocky, well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a barrier, screen, and bird-sheltering shrub in dry, native, and low-water gardens. Grown in semi-arid and coastal plantings on well-drained soils. Used in revegetation of mallee and heath.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in winter and spring, roughly June to October in the native range. The cream to white flowers are packed into small clusters along the branches and are lightly fragrant. Woody fruits develop and remain closed on the plant after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Hakea mitchellii in full sun in well-drained sandy or rocky soil. As a member of Proteaceae it grows better in soils low in phosphorus, so phosphorus-rich fertilisers are left off. It tolerates drought, heat, and exposure once established and is hardy to moderate frost. Water young plants through their first dry season, after which it needs little extra water. Sharp drainage is needed, as it declines in wet, heavy ground. It grows in acidic to neutral soils.Pruning
Trim Hakea mitchellii lightly after flowering to keep the habit dense and rounded. It tolerates light pruning of younger growth but reshoots slowly from bare old wood. The sharp leaves make trimming a careful task.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons