shrub

Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea

Hakea francisiana

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea francisiana, commonly known as the bottlebrush hakea, is a non-lignotuberous evergreen large shrub or small tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Western Australia and South Australia. It develops an open, upright, V-shaped canopy with rough bark, reaching heights of three to eight metres in its natural habitat.

This species is distinguished by its stiff, linear, blue-green or grey-green leaves that hold fine striations and grow up to 150 millimetres long. During winter and spring, it produces large, showy, non-pendent axillary spikes up to 100 millimetres long in shades of deep pink, red, or coral-pink.

Uses & Benefits:

Large, showy pink to red flower spikes and stiff, upright blue-green foliage make it a striking structural feature.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water gardens and windbreaks.

Provides a rich nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and nectar-eating birds such as honeyeaters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained sandy, gravelly, or clay loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Backfill gently and water in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots without waterlogging.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Because this species lacks a lignotuber, it cannot regenerate from epicormic buds; never prune hard into old, bare wood, as this will kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant grafted specimens if gardening in humid coastal regions.
Use only low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for native Proteaceae.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not overwater or allow water to pool around the root zone.
Do not apply standard garden fertilisers containing high phosphorus levels.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingWindbreakScreening

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus caesia Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea questions

What zones can Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea grow in?

Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf 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 Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea bloom?

Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf 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 Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea need full sun?

Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bottlebrush Hakea, Emu Tree, Grass-leaf Hakea drought tolerant?

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