shrub

Silky Hakea

Hakea sericea

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea sericea is an upright, densely branched evergreen shrub native to southeastern Australia, characterized by its stiff, needle-like foliage and conifer-like habit. The rigid, sharply pointed leaves emerge with a silvery-silky coating before maturing to a deep green, which often takes on bronze or purplish tones during the winter months.

In winter and spring, clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers open from pinkish buds directly along the older woody stems. The axillary flower clusters feature prominent, protruding styles and crowd the older stems in dense, creamy-white displays.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, conifer-like texture and structural interest with winter-color shifts and dense white blooms.

Functions as an impenetrable security barrier or windbreak due to its rigid, needle-sharp foliage.

Offers excellent nesting cover and physical protection for small birds, while flowers attract generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Southeastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (mechanical hazard only)

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with highly permeable, sandy or gravelly soil to prevent waterlogging.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then reduce watering once the root system establishes.
Avoid applying any fertilizer unless it is a specialized, low-phosphorus formulation designed for Proteaceae.

Pro Tip

Never apply standard garden fertilizers containing phosphorus, as this rapidly kills the specialized root system through nutrient toxicity.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, low-nutrient soils.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not plant near walkways, pathways, or children's play areas due to the sharp, needle-like foliage.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless wood, as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils that retain moisture.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Security BarrierHedgeCoastal GardenDrought-Tolerant Border

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Myrica californica Pinus contorta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silky Hakea questions

What zones can Silky Hakea grow in?

Silky 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.

Is Silky Hakea deer resistant?

Yes — Silky Hakea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silky Hakea bloom?

Silky 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 Silky Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Silky Hakea drought tolerant?

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