Care of the shrub Hakea bucculenta or Red pokers |
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The genus Hakea, family Proteaceae, comprises 150 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Hakea bucculenta, Hakea cristata, Hakea laurina, Hakea aculeata, Hakea prostrata, Hakea recurva, Hakea leucoptera, Hakea orthorrhyncha, Hakea petiolaris, Hakea nitida. Common name: Red pokers. This species is native to Western Australia. They are erect evergreen shrubs that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are very narrow (3 mm/0.11") and reach 20 cm (7.87") in length. The attractive and showy red-orange flowers appear in long spikes. They bloom in winter and spring. They are used in gardens as informal hedges, screens, and isolated specimens. They are ideal for coastal gardens with a Mediterranean climate. The Bucculent Hakea needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist occasional frosts down to -4 ºC (24.8 ºF). They can be grown in any type of well-drained soil. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry. They are drought resistant plants. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They can be attacked by fungi if the humidity is excessive. They propagate easily from seeds that germinate in 3-4 weeks. Propagation by cuttings is a slow process. |
Images of the shrub Hakea bucculenta or Red pokers |
 Hakea bucculenta  Hakea bucculenta  Hakea bucculenta  Hakea bucculenta  Hakea bucculenta |