shrub

Grass-leaf Hakea

Hakea multilineata

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea multilineata is an upright, evergreen Australian shrub with an open, branched habit, reaching fifteen feet in height and width. The thick, flat, linear leaves span up to eight inches long and feature prominent parallel veins running longitudinally to a rounded, spineless tip.

Vibrant pink, cylindrical flower spikes cluster continuously along the woody stems from winter through spring. Unlike many genus members, the foliage lacks sharp terminal spines, making it safer to handle and plant near pathways.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces dense, vibrant pink flower spikes along the stems, contrasted against clean, parallel-veined evergreen foliage.
Practical UsesServes as an effective windbreak or screen in dry, coastal, or Mediterranean-style landscapes.
Ecological BenefitsProvides a rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during winter and spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

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In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun with gravelly, sandy, or highly porous soil to ensure rapid drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the crown slightly above the surrounding soil level.
  3. Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
  4. Water deeply immediately after planting, then restrict irrigation to dry periods during the establishment phase.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, gravelly or sandy soil in full sun; excess summer moisture or high humidity triggers rapid root rot and plant collapse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a bushy shape.
  • Use low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for native Australian plants.
  • Ensure excellent air circulation to minimize fungal issues in humid weather.

Don't

  • Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant lacks a lignotuber and cannot regenerate from bare stems.
  • Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
  • Do not overwater during warm summer months.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantingMediterranean GardensWindbreaksXeriscaping

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grass-leaf Hakea questions

What zones can Grass-leaf Hakea grow in?

Grass-leaf Hakea is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Grass-leaf Hakea bloom?

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

Does Grass-leaf Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Grass-leaf Hakea drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Grass-leaf Hakea with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.