shrub

Willow-leaved Hakea

Hakea salicifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea salicifolia is an upright, dense evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, characterized by its smooth bark and flat, willow-like leaves. In winter and spring, it produces small, axillary clusters of white to creamy-white flowers along the branches, followed by woody, persistent seed follicles.

The narrow, elliptical foliage emerges with distinct bronze or reddish tones before maturing to a deep green. While most members of the Proteaceae family demand exceptional drainage, this species demonstrates unusual tolerance for heavier clay loams and occasionally wet soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its willow-like, deep green foliage, attractive bronze-red new growth, and dense, screening habit.

Functions as an exceptionally tough windbreak, privacy screen, or highly reliable rootstock for grafting delicate Western Australian Hakea species.

Provides nesting habitat for birds and pollen for generalist insect pollinators and local bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, though clay loam is acceptable.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loose around the margins.
Install the plant so the crown sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line to prevent collar rot.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to encourage dense, bushy growth.
Use only low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizers formulated specifically for native Australian plants if feeding is necessary.
Ensure the soil drains well, even though this species tolerates heavier soils better than other hakeas.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as it lacks latent buds and will fail to regenerate.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers high in phosphorus, which can quickly cause toxic leaf burn and kill the root system.
Do not overwater once established, as stagnant moisture promotes root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen/Focal PointWindbreak

Companion Plants

Grevillea Callistemon citrinus Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Willow-leaved Hakea questions

What zones can Willow-leaved Hakea grow in?

Willow-leaved 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.

Is Willow-leaved Hakea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Willow-leaved Hakea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Willow-leaved Hakea bloom?

Willow-leaved 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 Willow-leaved Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Willow-leaved Hakea drought tolerant?

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