shrub

Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush

Hakea laurina

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea laurina, commonly known as the pincushion hakea, is an evergreen upright shrub or small tree native to the sandy plains of south-west Western Australia. It is distinguished by its narrow, flat, parallel-veined leaves and globular autumn-to-winter flower heads that resemble crimson pincushions stuck with yellow pins.

Unlike many members of the genus, this species features foliage that lacks sharp, pungent tips, making it safer for high-traffic garden areas. The nectar-rich blooms provide a critical food source for honeyeaters and native insects during the cooler months when other floral resources are scarce.

Uses & Benefits:

Features highly distinctive globular red and yellow flower heads and clean, parallel-veined evergreen foliage.

Functions as an effective windbreak or informal screen in dry, coastal, or Mediterranean climates.

Provides a vital nectar source for native honeyeaters and insects during the autumn and winter months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

15-30 years

Native To

Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, ideally on a sloping bed or sandy, gravelly loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or high-phosphorus fertilisers to the planting hole.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a coarse, chunky mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Never prune this species back into bare, leafless wood; hakeas lack epicormic buds on old timber and will fail to reshoot, leaving permanent gaps.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first summer to establish a deep root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertiliser sparingly in spring if growth is slow.
Tip-prune young plants after flowering to encourage a denser, more compact habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where water pools after rain.
Do not use standard garden fertilisers containing high levels of phosphorus.
Do not cut back hard into old, bare wood during pruning.

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 plantingWindbreakScreeningWildlife gardenCoastal garden

Companion Plants

Banksia attenuata Grevillea olivacea Anigozanthos flavidus Adenanthos sericeus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush questions

What zones can Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush grow in?

Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush 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 Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush bloom?

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

Does Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush need full sun?

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

Is Pincushion Hakea, Emu Bush drought tolerant?

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