shrub

Dagger Hakea

Hakea teretifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Hakea teretifolia, the dagger hakea, is an upright, woody Australian shrub characterized by its dense, spreading branches and highly rigid, needle-like foliage. In spring and summer, the branches produce clusters of small, sweetly scented cream-white flowers with distinctly hairy perianths.

The stiff, cylindrical leaves terminate in exceptionally sharp, woody points that function as an impenetrable physical barrier. New growth emerges with a distinctive white-woolly or silky coating before maturing into smooth, green needles.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural structure with its rigid, radiating needle-like foliage and white-woolly new growth.

Functions as an impenetrable physical barrier or security hedge due to the razor-sharp leaf tips.

The dense, intensely prickly branches offer highly secure nesting sites and protection for small birds from predators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Physically hazardous (sharp spines); non-toxic chemically

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to light shade and exceptionally well-drained, 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.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost, manure, or standard phosphorus-heavy fertilizers.
Water deeply immediately after planting, then restrict irrigation to occasional deep watering during dry spells once established.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks dormant buds on mature stems and will fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in low-nutrient, acidic to neutral soils with excellent drainage.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus native fertilizers if feeding is necessary.
Plant away from walkways and high-traffic areas to avoid physical injury from the sharp foliage.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay, wet soils, or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Do not apply standard balanced garden fertilizers, which cause fatal phosphorus toxicity.
Do not cut back into bare, woody branches during pruning.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Security BarrierSpecimen PlantCoastal GardenRock Garden

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos Ceanothus Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dagger Hakea questions

What zones can Dagger Hakea grow in?

Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea deer resistant?

Yes — Dagger Hakea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dagger Hakea bloom?

Dagger Hakea typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dagger Hakea need full sun?

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

Is Dagger Hakea drought tolerant?

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