shrub

Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood

Hakea sericea

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea sericea, commonly known as silky hakea, is an erect, woody Australian shrub native to the dry sclerophyll forests and heathlands of the eastern states. It features rigid, needle-like leaves ending in extremely sharp points, and produces small, fragrant white flowers in axillary clusters along the branches.

The species is notable for its large, woody, wrinkled seed follicles that remain closed on the plant for years until stimulated by fire or branch death. Young growth is covered in fine, silky white hairs that quickly shed as the foliage matures to a dark green.

Uses & Benefits:

Features fragrant white flowers in winter and spring, followed by highly architectural, woody seed pods that persist on the branches.

Acts as an effective physical security barrier or animal deterrent when planted as a dense hedge or screen.

Provides critical protective nesting sites for small native birds, nectar for native bees, and seeds for black cockatoos.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic but sharp

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, mildly acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container level.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then water sparingly until the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune this species back into old, leafless wood; lacking a lignotuber, it cannot regenerate from bare stems and hard cutting will kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for native plants.
Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare wood behind the green foliage zone.
Do not plant near high-traffic walkways, paths, or play areas due to the sharp foliage.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Security barrierWindbreakWildlife habitatScreening plant

Companion Plants

Banksia ericifolia Leptospermum continentale Grevillea linearifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood questions

What zones can Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood grow in?

Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood 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 Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood bloom?

Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood 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 Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood need full sun?

Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Silky Hakea, Needlebush, Bushy Needlebush, Bushy Needlewood drought tolerant?

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