shrub

Baker's Hakea

Hakea bakeriana

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea bakeriana, commonly known as Baker's Hakea, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub native to the coastal and near-coastal dry sclerophyll forests of New South Wales. It develops a woody lignotuber at its base, allowing the plant to resprout vigorously following bushfires or severe physical damage.

This species is distinguished by its bright green, needle-like leaves that are notably softer and less prickly than those of most other hakeas. The pink to crimson flowers are cauliflorous, clustering tightly along the older, woody stems beneath the dense canopy rather than at the branch tips.

Uses & Benefits:

Features delicate pink-to-crimson flowers clustered along the old wood, contrasted by bright green needle-like foliage with reddish new growth.

Functions as an effective low-maintenance screen or windbreak in coastal and sandy gardens.

Provides nectar for native honeyeaters and bees, while the dense, prickly foliage offers safe nesting sites for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia (New South Wales)

Toxicity

Skin irritant (sharp leaves)

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sandy, sandstone-derived, or well-drained loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of the same depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil lightly to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly.
Apply a layer of coarse, low-phosphorus mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning back into hard, leafless wood, as this species flowers exclusively on older stems and lacks the adventitious buds to recover easily from deep cuts.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil has excellent drainage before planting.
Prune lightly and only on the outer green canopy.
Water during prolonged dry spells to prevent dieback.
Use low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not apply standard garden fertilisers containing high phosphorus levels.
Do not disturb the root zone excessively once 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

ScreeningBird-attracting gardensCoastal windbreaksNative understory plantings

Companion Plants

Banksia spinulosa Actinotus helianthi Grevillea speciosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Baker's Hakea questions

What zones can Baker's Hakea grow in?

Baker's 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 Baker's Hakea bloom?

Baker's 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 Baker's Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Baker's Hakea drought tolerant?

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