Scientific Name: HAKEA laurina
Common Name: Pin-cushion Hakea
Alternative Common Name: Pin-cushion Hakea
Family: Proteaceae
Height: Up to 5m (16′)
Width: Up to 1-2m
Description: Hardy, decorative shrub. A most admired native plant from south-western Australia. Grown in quantity in Australia and other countries. In Italy and America its uses include street and hedge planting. See also: http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp2/hakea-laurina.html
Flowers: Unusual spherical red flowers, covered in cream styles in Autumn and Winter.
Soil: Well-drained sand, gravel or light loam.
Aspects: Attracts nectar feeding birds. Hardy, tolerates dry Summers.
Habitat: Pincushion Hakeas natural habitat is South-western Australia. Hardy and adaptable, but grows best in full sun.
Growing: Sow seeds after danger of frost has passed or in a glasshouse. Fill small pots with moist sandy soil and compress. Sow one seed flat on its side in each pot. Cover very lightly with soil. Keep moist. Cover the pots with clear polythene – remove when germination starts in about 3 – 5 weeks. Place in warm shady position. Protect from snails and slugs.
Landscape: Shrubberies and open gardens.
Cultivation: When a seedling appreas or a tap root appears at base of the pot, plant in permanant position. Water in well and water regularly until plant is established, then occasionally in dry weather. Fertiliser rarely needed, but if requirer, use light applications of slow release, low phosphate organic fertiliser.
Seed Starter Required: Helpful.
