Hakea gibbosa

RHS Plant Profile
hairy hakea

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Other common names

needlebush hakea

Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

A small to medium-sized, evergreen shrub reaching to 3m tall. Sharply-pointed, stiff, greyish-green, needle-like leaves are up to 8cm long and covered with fine hairs. Small, creamy-white flowers in loose clusters of two to six are produced in the leaf axils and may be followed by ovoid, woody seedpods up to 3.5cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Proteaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant/allergen - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Hakea are evergreen trees and shrubs with leathery, often needle-like, leaves. Small tubular flowers, appearing in small clusters among the leaves, are followed by woody seed pods
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

In mild areas grow in fertile, well-drained, sandy, slightly acid soil in full sun. Under glass, grow in a mix of equal parts loam, peat substitute or leaf mould and sharp sand in full light. Apply phosphate-free fertiliser monthly in the growing season

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free