This Australian native is well adapted to the sea coast and needs no dry season water once established. Sweet Hakea looks like a small pine bush - but will stop at a manageable size of about 20 feet. Fast growing and evergreen, this is a great SHRUB for filling an odd spot that the hose does not reach.
Small fragrant white flowers clusters generally appear in the fall and winter. Small seed pods develop after flowering. Easily pruned to a tree form — or left to be a large flowing shrub. If fertilizers are used, avoid those products high in phosphorus as they can kill the shrub. Sweet Hakea does not really need to be fertilized anyway.
The pine-like needles are very sharp. Care should be taken when pruning to protect eyes and skin. Perhaps better planted away from heavy traffic areas like the sidewalk! Conversely, dense growth and sharp needles would make a very good protective hedge.
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