shrub

Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea

Hakea 'Winter Burgundy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees in the Proteaceae family, highly adapted to nutrient-poor soils and arid conditions. These plants are characterised by woody, heat-resistant seed follicles and tough, linear or needle-like foliage designed to minimise water loss.

'Winter Burgundy' is an upright, somewhat open selection featuring stiff, blue-green leaves with parallel veins and sharp, needle-pointed tips. During the colder months, it produces dense, globular clusters of bright pink to deep cherry-red flowers directly along the upper branches.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking cherry-red globular flower clusters that hug the stems against a backdrop of stiff, blue-green foliage.

Functions as a physical barrier or informal screen due to its tall, upright habit and sharp-pointed foliage.

Provides a critical winter nectar source for native honeyeaters, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

138 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Australia (cultivated origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (sharp foliage causes physical injury)

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sandy slope.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, avoiding any soil compaction.
Gently settle the plant into the hole without disturbing the sensitive root system, backfilling with native soil.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, low-phosphorus mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in a high-drainage zone with full overhead sun; heavy clay or waterlogged soil triggers rapid root rot, while shade severely reduces the winter flowering display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use exclusively low-phosphorus native fertilisers to prevent root burn.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and never pools water around the collar.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as epicormic buds will fail to shoot.
Do not apply standard garden fertilisers containing high phosphorus levels.
Do not over-water once the root system is established.

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

Specimen plantingScreeningBird-attracting gardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'Banksia spinulosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea questions

What zones can Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea grow in?

Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf 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 Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea bloom?

Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf 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 Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea need full sun?

Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Winter Burgundy Hakea, Grassleaf Hakea drought tolerant?

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