| Botanic name | Hakea laurina |
| Other names | Pincushion Hakea, pin-cushion Hakea |
| Main Origin | South and southwest of Western Australia |
| Mature size | 2 – 4 m x 3 – 6 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Upright shrub or canopy tree |
| Foliage | Long, thick, leathery, spear-shaped, blue-green |
| Growth rate | Medium to fast |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Thrives on most soils |
| Water | Minimal, deep watering during extended dry spells |
| Climate | Mediterranean, temperate, mild subtropical |
| Flower | Red and white spheres from autumn to winter |
| Use | Feature specimen, privacy screening, hedge |
| Notes | Intolerant of high humidity |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Origin and distribution
Hakea laurina is native to southern and southwestern Western Australia. Beyond its native habitat, Hakea laurina has been cultivated in various parts of Australia and internationally. It is admired for its distinctive, globular red and cream flowers that resemble pin cushions.
This plant is popular for cultivation in sandy areas and along coastlines of southern Australia. It has naturalised in parts of South Australia and Victoria and has caused some environmental concerns. It is particularly invasive in coastal regions and can regenerate fast after fire.
Growth and care
Hakea laurina thrives in Mediterranean, warm or cool temperate, and mild subtropical climate regions. An established plant is drought-hardy. While it can tolerate some frost, the new growth in autumn can be subject to frost damage in winter.
This plant requires full sun exposure for best flowering and optimal development.
Pincushion Hakea naturally occurs on sandy or sandy-clay soils within sandplains, mallee shrublands, and heathlands. It can adapt to various soil types, including light, sandy soil or heavier clay, with good drainage and a slightly acidic or neutral pH.
While Hakea laurina tolerates some coastal conditions, it is not the plant type for full coastal exposure. Due to shallow roots and a heavy top, young plants should be staked and protected from strong winds in coastal environments.
Pincushion Hakea is highly adaptable to poor soils. However, adding aged compost while planting is the key to establishing a lush, vibrant plant. Mulching around the plant also helps nurture the plant through soil conditioning.
Additional fertilisation is not often necessary. If required, apply the low-phosphorus fertiliser designed specifically for Australian native plants, as this plant is sensitive to phosphorus.
Hakea laurina is a great responder to pruning, which is essential for maintaining its appealing compact form. Remove 10 to 20 cm from the tip after the flowering period. Regular pruning encourages finer branching and promotes prolific flowering.
Training Pincushion Hakea into a tree involves strategic pruning and consistent maintenance. Begin by identifying a strong, central leader stem as the main trunk. Remove any competing stems or low-growing branches to promote vertical growth.
Features
Hakea laurina is a captivating addition to any garden, celebrated for its unique floral display and versatile growth habits. This plant can be cultivated as a large, bushy shrub or a small, rounded tree.
Maintained as a shrub, Hakea laurina often develops a dense, rounded canopy. The lush foliage creates a verdant backdrop, making it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens.
Trained as a tree, Pincushion Hakea showcases a single, sturdy trunk adorned with smooth, grey bark that adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. The tree can attain 6 meters in height, forming a dense, rounded canopy. The beautiful silhouette makes it a striking focal point in any landscape.
The plant features delightful slender and spear-shaped leaves with a smooth, leathery texture. They are widely spaced with a bluish-green colour and prominent, parallel veins. Adding to their attraction is the slight curl and waviness.
The true showstopper of Hakea laurina is its spherical flowers. A mass of magnificent starburst-like flowers emerge from late autumn through winter. These flowers are up to 4 – 5 cm across. Each boasts a mesmerising display of deep pink to red core, contrasted by numerous cream-white styles.
Each spherical flower occurs at the joint of the leaf stalk and its stem and is, in fact, a cluster of finer flower pairs. This remarkable floral arrangement differs from other Hakea species, such as Hakea salicifolia.
The charming blossoms attract nectar-feeding birds and pollinators. They not only add a splash of colour during the cooler months but also support local wildlife.
Interesting seed pods follow the blossom. They are woody capsules about 2 – 3 cm long, with tough, textured exteriors in light grey or brown. Each rounded seed pod has a pointy end, reminiscent of a bird’s beak.
Landscape uses
- Privacy screening and hedging: With its dense, upright growth habit, Hakea laurina is an excellent choice for privacy screens and hedges. The plant is compact and can be shaped to a desirable dimension. With little fuss and a low-maintenance nature, it is an ideal boundary plant for drought-prone gardens.
- Feature specimen: The striking appearance of Hakea laurina makes it a standout feature specimen in any garden, with its magnificent compact, rounded form and unique decorative flowers.
- Mixed shrubbery: Incorporating Hakea laurina into mixed shrubbery adds texture and color contrast. Its blue-green foliage complements other native plants, creating a harmonious and visually appealing landscape.
- Local wildlife: The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters and lorikeets. Its dense foliage provides shelter and habitat for local wildlife.
FAQs
Is Hakea laurina fast-growing?
Hakea laurina is a medium to fast-growing species. It is ideal for gardeners seeking quick establishment in their landscapes. In optimal conditions, it can grow over 60 cm per year. Hakea laurina can begin flowering within just a few years of planting
Can you prune Hakea laurina?
Yes, you can. While Hakea laurina is naturally shrubby, it benefits from regular pruning to maintain its health, shape, and vigour. The optimal time to prune is immediately after the flowering period. This timing promotes robust growth and prepares the plant for the next blooming season.
Regularly remove 10 to 20 cm from the tip of the latest growth. This practice helps maintain a neat, compact form and encourages dense foliage. Refrain from cutting too far in, as Hakea laurina may not reshoot from old wood.
Is there a dwarf Hakea Laurina?
There is a dwarf cultivar of Hakea Laurina named ‘Mini Pini’. This cultivar is celebrated for its smaller size and striking floral display. The miniature size is ideal for feature planting in limited spaces or as an attractive addition to a container garden.
What kind of soil does Hakea laurina like?
Hakea laurina, commonly known as the pin-cushion hakea, thrives in well-drained soils and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay loam soils, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
How big does a Pincushion Hakea grow?
Pin-cushion Hakea (Hakea laurina) is a versatile Australian native plant cultivated as a shrub or a small tree, depending on pruning and training methods. On average, the plant grows to 3 – 6 meters in height and 2 – 4 meters in width at maturity.
