shrub

Pincushion Hakea

Hakea laurina

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea laurina is an upright, evergreen shrub or small tree native to south-western Western Australia, characterized by its blue-green, leathery lanceolate leaves and smooth grey bark. The plant produces globular, pincushion-shaped inflorescences featuring deep red perianths and long, projecting cream-white styles from late fall through winter.

This species is distinguished by its highly decorative flower heads, which measure up to five centimeters across and contain over a hundred individual flowers. It lacks a lignotuber, meaning it grows as a single-stemmed or clean-trunked specimen that cannot regenerate from the base if cut to the ground.

Uses & Benefits:

The highly unusual red and cream pincushion flowers provide striking winter interest when few other shrubs are in bloom.

Functions as an effective windbreak or informal screen in coastal and Mediterranean-climate gardens due to its wind and salt tolerance.

Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and hummingbirds to the garden during the cooler months of the year.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240"

Width

196"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (stiff leaf tips can prick skin)

Bloom period

Late fall – Late winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly draining sandy, sandy loam, or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.
Water the young plant deeply once or twice a week during its first dry season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Apply a thick layer of coarse, low-phosphorus organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune into old, leafless wood; because this species lacks a lignotuber, stems cut back past active foliage will fail to shoot and die back completely.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in exceptionally well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for native Australian plants if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
Do not cut back into bare, woody stems that lack active green leaves.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers, as high phosphorus levels will kill the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingWindbreakCoastal gardenScreening

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos manzanita Ceanothus Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pincushion Hakea questions

What zones can Pincushion Hakea grow in?

Pincushion 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 Pincushion Hakea deer resistant?

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

When does Pincushion Hakea bloom?

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

Does Pincushion Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Pincushion Hakea drought tolerant?

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