The distinctive Pin Cushion Flower of Hakea laurina

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This must be one of the most recognisable Australian native flowers, its incredible two toned spherical flower pops out at you from quite a distance. I love Hakea laurina it is such an obvious Australian bloom, it lasts well cut in a vase and looks fascinating even in bud.

These images are taken of a couple of specimens I have seen in Hobart, unfortunately this is a native plant that likes the southern states more than the humid north. However, there are now grafted forms available of Hakea laurina that should be less susceptible to fungal diseases and rot.

The straight species will grow to 4-6 metres high and 2-3 metres wide, it has a slightly weeping habit with leathery, green to bluish-green leaves and enjoys an open full sun to part shade position in a well drained soil.

The flowers are prolific attracting birds (honeyeater particularly), bees and other insects, Hakea laurina begins flowering in Winter and carries through until Spring.

Hakea laurina makes a useful screening plant or can be under pruned into a small feature tree, there is also a dwarf form available called ‘Stockdale Sensation’. Hakea laurina is tolerant of heavy frost and high winds, it appreciates a light prune after flowering.

Comments

10 responses to “The distinctive Pin Cushion Flower of Hakea laurina”

  1. Rachael

    Hi There,
    I love hake laurina and would love to out it into my small/medium garden
    Is it possible to keep a hake laurina pruned to a size of 3m x 2m (or even smaller), if you can’t get a hold of a hake laurina stockade sensation – or would this negatively effect the flowering /habit of the plant, or just be difficult to acheive?

    1. Kath Gadd

      Hi Rachael,

      I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to keep it pruned at around 3 metres. Regular pruning would strengthen the branches and enable the plant to withstand stronger winds and other stressful weather.

      Best Wishes,

      Kath

      1. Rachael

        Thanks Kath 🙂

  2. Beverley Curey

    Hello,
    Would like to know where we may purchase the Stockdale sensation plant from. We are in Mackay Qld. Its a very beautiful flower. Hopefully you maybe able to help me. Bev Currey

  3. Jodie Moore

    Hi there I have what appears to be a Hakea Laurina established in my garden (same pin cushion flowers) however it has a very distinct weeping habit. Is there a species of Hakea that is a weeping tree? Thanks!

    1. Kath Gadd

      Hi Jodie,

      Hakea laurina does have quite a weeping habit and can turn into a small tree, sounds like you do have a pin cushion Hakea, lucky you!

      Best wishes,

      Kath

  4. Kevin Delaney

    We planted a Hakka Laurina ten years ago. It looks very healthy and is a tree about 3 1/2 metres high. It has never flowered but every year it has buds that never develop past about 1 cm diameter.
    How can we make these buds develop into flowers

    1. Kath Gadd

      Hi Kevin,

      Apologies for the delayed response. Where are you located? Hakea laurina is local to the south-east and it’s possible it needs a cold snap to induce flowering. One thing you could try is giving it some potash to simulate the soil conditions after bushfire. Many of the Proteacae plants like Hakea kick into gear after fire.

      Best of luck,
      Kath

      1. Kevin Delaney

        Address is in Mt Waverley in Melbourne’s south east area. I see other Hakka laurinas here so I guess it should grow well. I can try potash as you suggest.

        Kevin

  5. Paula Morrissey

    Hello Jodie,
    I have a weeping hakea but it grows almost horizontal. It looks like it has fallen over rather than weeping. Is there anything you could suggest for this? Staking? I tried that and it just pulled the stake over. Thanks Paula.

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