shrub

Baker's Hakea

Hakea bakeriana

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea bakeriana, the Baker's hakea, is a dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia, growing three to six feet tall and wide with a compact, bushy form. The cylindrical, needle-like leaves terminate in sharp, pungent tips, though they are less prickly than those of many related species.

The fragrant, pinkish-white to deep crimson flowers feature long, prominent styles and cluster in short racemes directly along the older, leafless woody stems beneath the outer foliage. Flowering begins in late fall and continues through winter into early spring, followed by woody, beak-like seed follicles.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces unusual, fragrant pink-to-crimson flowers directly on older woody stems beneath a dense, deep green canopy.

Functions as a highly drought-tolerant, low-maintenance barrier plant that withstands coastal salt spray.

Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in mild climates, while the dense, spiky foliage offers nesting shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (mechanical injury hazard from sharp leaves)

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or light partial shade with highly permeable, sandy 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 deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict irrigation to occasional deep soakings during dry spells once established.
Avoid applying standard garden fertilizers; use only low-phosphorus native plant formulations if nutrient deficiencies appear.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing or heavy pruning of the outer canopy; because flowers form directly on old, inner woody branches, hedging destroys the future bloom display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and keep the inner woody stems visible.
Use low-phosphorus fertilizers specifically formulated for Proteaceae.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in stagnant water.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood unless regenerating a damaged plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen planting in Mediterranean or coastal gardensLow-maintenance barrier or informal hedgeWildlife garden focal point to attract pollinators

Companion Plants

Grevillea Banksia Anigozanthos flavidus

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.

Is Baker's Hakea deer resistant?

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

When does Baker's Hakea bloom?

Baker's Hakea typically blooms in autumn 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.