shrub

Furze Hakea

Hakea ulicina

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea ulicina is an erect, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to southeastern Australia, reaching five to ten feet in height. It features stiff, needle-sharp leaves that are twisted at the base and small, creamy-white flowers clustered along the branches from late winter into spring.

The foliage is distinctly three-sided or flat with prominent longitudinal veins, ending in a pungent tip that deters herbivores. New growth emerges in a bright yellowish-green color, contrasting with the dark green of the mature, rigid branchlets.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural structure with its rigid, upright habit and needle-like foliage, complemented by white spring blooms.

Functions as an effective low-maintenance barrier or informal hedge that deters unwanted foot traffic due to its sharp leaves.

The dense, prickly growth offers excellent protective nesting cover for small birds, keeping them safe from larger predators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally sharp drainage, such as a sandy slope or raised bed.
Incorporate coarse sand or gravel into light clay or loam soils to prevent water retention around the root crown.
Water sparingly after planting, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root-rot pathogens.
Apply a thick layer of coarse, inorganic mulch like gravel to suppress weeds and keep the root zone cool without adding organic nutrients.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in rich, highly organic soils or applying standard phosphorus fertilizers, which quickly trigger toxic nutrient overload in the specialized root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in low-nutrient, sandy, or gravelly soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Use thick leather gloves when handling the plant to avoid painful punctures from the needle-like foliage.
Provide maximum air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid climates.

Don't

Do not apply fertilizers containing phosphorus, as members of the Proteaceae family are highly sensitive to it.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, which lacks the capacity to regenerate new growth.
Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water pools during summer.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Barrier PlantingCoastal GardenRock GardenSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Banksia spinulosa Grevillea lanigera Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Furze Hakea questions

What zones can Furze Hakea grow in?

Furze Hakea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Furze Hakea bloom?

Furze Hakea typically blooms in late winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Furze Hakea need full sun?

Furze Hakea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Furze Hakea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Furze Hakea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.