Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

1 other cultivar

‘Winter Burgundy’Winter Burgundy Hakea

shrub

Burrendong Beauty

Hakea x hybrida 'Burrendong Beauty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees closely related to Grevillea, characterized by woody seed pods and tough, drought-resistant foliage. Many species produce highly intricate, nectar-rich flower clusters directly along the stems, serving as valuable food sources for wildlife in arid and temperate climates.

'Burrendong Beauty' is a spreading, mound-forming hybrid cultivar that reaches four to five feet in height and up to ten feet in width, featuring stiff, blue-green leaves with sharp terminal points. In cool weather, it produces dense, globular clusters of deep pink to vivid red flowers with contrasting cream-colored styles along the leaf axils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a striking winter display of bright red pincushion-like flowers against stiff, architectural blue-green foliage.

Functions as an effective low-water barrier plant or soil stabilizer on dry, sunny slopes where other shrubs fail.

Provides a rich source of nectar for winter-active pollinators and hummingbirds, while the dense, prickly structure offers excellent nesting cover.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia (Garden Origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, sandy loam, or exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide but equal in depth to the root ball, ensuring the plant sits slightly high.
Water sparingly during the first active growing season to establish roots, then reduce watering to a minimum.
Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer with less than three percent phosphorus annually in early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant on a steep slope, raised mound, or in a container filled with coarse grit to ensure the rapid drainage this hybrid demands; stagnant soil moisture or high summer humidity will trigger fatal root and stem rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a raised bed or on a slope to guarantee rapid drainage.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensSlopes and banksSpecimen plantingLow-water borders

Companion Plants

Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Burrendong Beauty questions

What zones can Burrendong Beauty grow in?

Burrendong Beauty 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.

Is Burrendong Beauty deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Burrendong Beauty, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Burrendong Beauty bloom?

Burrendong Beauty typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Burrendong Beauty need full sun?

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

Is Burrendong Beauty drought tolerant?

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