Contents
Description
Hakea Benthamii is a beautiful evergreen shrub that belongs to the Proteaceae family. It is endemic to Western Australia and is commonly known as the Needlebush Hakea. It can grow up to 2-5 meters in height and 1-2 meters in width. It has needle-like leaves and produces beautiful white or cream flowers with red centers from late winter to early spring. The flowers are very attractive to birds and bees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Hakea |
Appearance
Hakea Benthamii is a very attractive evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2-5 meters in height and 1-2 meters in width. It has needle-like leaves that are about 3-10 cm long and 0.5-1 mm wide. The leaves are green in color and have a slightly curved shape. The flowers are very beautiful and appear in late winter to early spring. They are white or cream in color and have a red center. The flowers are about 2-3 cm long and are very attractive to birds and bees.
Care Guide
Water
Hakea Benthamii prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water it regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilize Hakea Benthamii with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Soil
Hakea Benthamii prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soils as long as they are well-drained.
Sunlight
Hakea Benthamii prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones
Hakea Benthamii is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hakea Benthamii is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. It may also be attacked by scale insects or spider mites. If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Hakea Benthamii is endemic to Western Australia and is commonly found in sandy or gravelly soils in heath or woodland areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hakea Benthamii drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Hakea Benthamii is drought-tolerant once established. However, it prefers regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Can Hakea Benthamii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Hakea Benthamii can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How often should I prune Hakea Benthamii?
A: Prune Hakea Benthamii after flowering to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Hakea Benthamii be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Hakea Benthamii can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Proteaceae family:
- Banksia integrifolia
- Grevillea robusta
- Protea cynaroides
- Leucadendron argenteum
- Macadamia integrifolia
References
- “Hakea Benthamii.” Australian Plants Online, https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/hakea-benthamii-needlebush-hakea.html. Accessed 30 November 2021.
- “Hakea Benthamii.” Gardening with Angus, https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/hakea-benthamii-needlebush-hakea/. Accessed 30 November 2021.
- “Hakea Benthamii.” PlantNet, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Hakea~benthamii. Accessed 30 November 2021.
