Care of the shrub Hakea recurva or Jarnockmert |
The genus Hakea, family Proteaceae, comprises 150 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Hakea recurva, Hakea prostrata, Hakea petiolaris, Hakea orthorrhyncha, Hakea leucoptera, Hakea laurina, Hakea cristata, Hakea bucculenta, Hakea aculeata, Hakea nitida. Common names: Jarnockmert, Bag-needle bush. This species is native to Western Australia. They are shrubs or perennial trees that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. They have long, bluish-green leaves up to 25 cm (9.84") long and needle-shaped. They produce numerous axillary cream-yellow flowers. They bloom from mid-winter to mid-spring. Jarnockmert is used as isolated specimens, in informal hedges, screens, or in bushy groups in dry, sunny areas of the garden. Hakea recurva needs exposure to full sun or very light shade. It resists frost down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). The soil must be well drained with coarse sand and contain organic matter (leaf mulch); Jarnockmert grows well on sandy substrates. Bag-needle bush is a drought resistant plant. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Fertilize with compost in late winter. Jarnockmert does not need pruning. Hakea recurva is a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases; sometimes it can be attacked by aphids. Bag-needle bush propagates by cuttings or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Hakea recurva or Jarnockmert |