Sweet Hakea
Hakea drupacea
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
Hakea drupacea is a SHRUB growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from December to February. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Amongst low (sclerophyll) shrubland; occurring on outcrops (edges granite rock); in rocky or stony soil (limestone, sandstone); growing in gravel pits (disturbed areas near old gravel pit).
Australia - Western Australia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Although not very hardy in most of Britain, it makes a good hedge in warm maritime areas.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Succeeds in a hot dry position, requiring a lime-free soil. Plants are very wind-resistant. A tender shrub, it succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn if possible otherwise in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist