shrub

Sea Urchin Hakea

Hakea petiolaris

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea petiolaris, the sea urchin hakea, is an erect evergreen shrub or small tree native to the granite outcrops and dry woodlands of south-western Western Australia. It features distinctive, pale grey-green to blue-green leathery leaves with prominent veins and conspicuous leaf stalks.

The species is highly prized for its globular, sea-urchin-like flower clusters that emerge cream-coloured before aging to deep pink and maroon. These dense inflorescences are produced directly along the older wood and in leaf axils, attracting nectar-feeding birds throughout autumn and winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Distinctive sea-urchin-like pink and cream flowers and architectural, pale grey-green foliage.

Serves as an effective windbreak or structural screen in dry, coastal, or low-maintenance gardens.

Provides a vital nectar source for native honeyeaters and insects, and seeds for Carnaby's Black Cockatoos.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

354 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill gently without compacting the soil, and water in lightly to settle the roots without saturating them.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to avoid collar rot.

Pro Tip

Ensure immaculate sub-surface drainage and never prune hard back past the leafy green zone into old bare wood, as dormant buds on bare timber will not readily shoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly free-draining sandy or gravelly soils.
Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage a dense, bushy habit.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging or standing water.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not apply standard phosphorus-rich garden fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingWindbreakBird-attracting gardenRock garden

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea fililoba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sea Urchin Hakea questions

What zones can Sea Urchin Hakea grow in?

Sea Urchin 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 Sea Urchin Hakea bloom?

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

Does Sea Urchin Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Sea Urchin Hakea drought tolerant?

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