One of the best of all of the Hakeas, red to orange flowers and attractive narrow or fine foliage make Hakea bucculenta a standout.
The flowers are held back in the foliage, however still easily seen. This habit makes it a magnet for the smaller birds who can feel safe amongst the foliage while feeding.
In its natural habitat it can reach over 6 metres in height, in cultivation usually around 3 -4 metres.
A pink flowering hybrid Hakea bucculenta x francissiana is also available.
Use as a feature plant in the border, or plant as an informal screening plant at around 2 metres apart.
Care
In a sunny position and a well drained soil this is an easy care plant. It will grow in a little shade, however flowering is best in full sun.
Best grown in an open position where it gets good air flow. In clay and wet soils, hill up the garden bed before planting to improve drainage.
- Dig the soil over well to twice the diameter of the container.
- Add a little well rotted cow manure and aged compost.
- Plant at the same level the tree was in the container.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Water lightly in the first summer.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root run
Fertiliser
No fertiliser is requires in good soils. You can use a little specialist native plant fertiliser (low phosphate) in poor soils if desired.
Pruning
Best lightly tip pruned after flowering to encourage more flowers.
Propagation
Propagation is easy from seed, grafted varieties are more reliable in the garden.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Hakea bucculenta
- Common Name – Red Poker Hakea.
- Position – Full sun.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Height – To around 4 metres plus.
- Spread – To around 3 metres plus.
- Growth rate – Medium.
- Flowers – Red to Orange Red
- Flowering time – Winter to Spring and summer.
- Foliage – Narrow, mid green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Drought tolerant – Yes.