shrub

Grass-Leaf Hakea

Hakea francisiana

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea francisiana is an erect, evergreen Australian shrub or small tree with a v-shaped canopy of stiff, linear blue-green leaves. In winter and spring, it produces dense, cylindrical spikes of deep pink to red flowers that emerge from the leaf axils.

The narrow, silver-green foliage features fine parallel striations and stands erect along the branches. Unlike some related species, it lacks a lignotuber and cannot resprout from the base if cut back severely or damaged by fire.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, upright structural form with striking blue-green foliage and dramatic, colorful flower spikes.

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

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects during winter and spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

216"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with gravelly, sandy, or highly permeable loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water moderately during the first active growing season to establish the root system, then phase out supplemental watering entirely.
Apply a thick layer of coarse, inorganic mulch like gravel to keep the root zone cool and dry.

Pro Tip

Provide exceptionally sharp drainage and avoid summer irrigation once established; excess moisture in warm weather triggers sudden root collapse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position with excellent air circulation to minimize foliage diseases.
Use a specialized low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for Proteaceae if nutrient deficiencies appear.
Protect young plants with physical cages to prevent deer and rabbit browsing.

Don't

Do not prune into old, leafless wood, as the plant will fail to generate new shoots.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils or low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.

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 plantingXeriscapingWindbreakScreening

Companion Plants

Grevillea Ceanothus Arctostaphylos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grass-Leaf Hakea questions

What zones can Grass-Leaf Hakea grow in?

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.

Is Grass-Leaf Hakea deer resistant?

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

When does Grass-Leaf Hakea bloom?

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 Grass-Leaf Hakea need full sun?

Grass-Leaf Hakea does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Grass-Leaf Hakea drought tolerant?

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