Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Hakea cristata or Snail hakea

The genus Hakea, family Proteaceae, comprises 150 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Hakea cristata, Hakea bucculenta, Hakea laurina, Hakea aculeata, Hakea prostrata, Hakea recurva, Hakea leucoptera, Hakea orthorrhyncha, Hakea petiolaris, Hakea nitida.

Common name: Snail hakea. This species is native to Western Australia.

They are highly branched and erect evergreen shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have greenish-gray leaves with silver tones and a spiny margin; when they sprout the leaves are bronze in color. They produce white flowers similar to Grevilleas. They bloom in summer.

Snail hakea is used in Mediterranean coastal gardens as windbreaks, informal hedges, and isolated specimens. It's suitable for patios and terraces in large pots.

Hakea cristata can be grown in full sun or light shade exposures. It resists occasional low intensity frosts.

Snail hakea prefers fertile, well-drained soils but can grow on slightly calcareous or clay soils.

Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Hakea cristata has quite a resistance to drought.

Fertilize in early spring with a low potassium mineral fertilizer.

Hakea cristata does not need pruning.

Snail hakea is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Hakea cristata propagates from semi-mature cuttings in summer or from seeds sown in autumn.

Images of the shrub Hakea cristata or Snail hakea