Hakea Laurina

Pincushion Hakea / Kodjet / Sea Urchin Hakea / Pincushion Tree

Botanical Name: Hakea laurina
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (south-west WA)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/small tree

Overview

Hakea laurina (Pincushion Hakea) is a standout feature for SA gardens, valued for its iconic pincushion pom-pom blooms and clean, narrow blue-green foliage. It’s tough, water-wise and bird-magnetic—great as a screen, specimen or second-line coastal plant. Flowers are superb for cutting and winter colour.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 3–6 m H × 2–4 m W (can be kept smaller with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, narrow lanceolate leaves, blue- to grey-green; neat, upright habit; new growth can bronze lightly
• Flowers: Large spherical “pincushion” heads with crimson to rose styles and cream/white perianths; nectar-rich, excellent cut flower
• Seasonal Interest: Late autumn–winter peak (May–Aug), often continuing into early spring
• Wildlife Value: Attracts honeyeaters & native bees; dense canopy offers nesting/shelter
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost); will handle clay with good drainage
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/screens: 1 plant per 1–1.5 m (dense) or 1 per 2 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; sap/leaves may irritate sensitive skin—discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam soils; tolerates limestone if drainage is sharp; avoid waterlogging; low-phosphorus needs (Proteaceae)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after flowering to shape (avoid cutting into old bare wood); use low-P native fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 20–40 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline sands with drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature/specimen for striking winter bloom and cut flowers
• Screen or informal hedge with minimal water once established
• Mass plant on banks/rockeries; pair with Grevillea, Lomandra, Dianella

Why You Will Love It

A low-maintenance statement plant: months of dramatic winter colour, constant bird activity and year-round structure—perfect for SA gardens that need beauty, resilience and low water use.