Hakea Laurina

Hakea laurina, commonly known as Pincushion Hakea, is a striking Western Australian native small tree admired for its unique red and cream spherical flowers. Blooming from autumn through winter, it provides colour when most gardens are dormant and supplies valuable nectar for birds and pollinators.

🌿 Plant Description

• Botanical name: Hakea laurina
• Common name: Pincushion Hakea
• Origin: Western Australia
• Plant type: Evergreen small tree / large shrub
• Flowers: Rounded red and cream “pincushion” blooms
• Flowering season: Autumn to winter

Its leathery green leaves and rounded canopy give it year-round structure, making it both ornamental and functional in landscape design.

📏 Height & Growth

• Height: 3 – 6 metres
• Spread: 2 – 4 metres
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Form: Upright with rounded crown

Can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shaped as a screening tree.

🌳 Landscaping Importance

Hakea laurina is widely valued in Australian landscapes because it:

• Provides winter colour when few plants are flowering
• Attracts honeyeaters, bees, and native pollinators
• Works well as a feature tree or screening plant
• Is suitable for coastal and inland gardens
• Handles wind and light frost once established

Ideal for:

• Native gardens
• Coastal landscapes
• Wildlife gardens
• Street tree plantings
• Low-maintenance gardens

🌱 Care & Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun preferred
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
• Watering: Low once established
• Fertiliser: Use low-phosphorus native fertiliser
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
• Frost tolerance: Light frost tolerant

Avoid heavy clay soils or poor drainage to reduce risk of root rot.