Contents
Description
Hakea Petiolaris is an evergreen shrub that is native to the southwestern region of Western Australia. It is a member of the Proteaceae family and is commonly referred to as the “Sea Urchin Hakea” due to its distinctive flowers that resemble a sea urchin. The plant can grow up to 6 meters tall and 3 meters wide and has a bushy appearance with needle-like leaves that are grayish-green in color. The flowers of Hakea Petiolaris are pinkish-red and bloom in winter and spring. The plant produces woody, cone-shaped fruit that are around 5cm long and 3cm wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Hakea |
Appearance
Hakea Petiolaris has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. The plant has needle-like leaves that are grayish-green in color and grow up to 10cm long. The leaves have a slightly curved shape, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The flowers of Hakea Petiolaris are pinkish-red and have a distinctive sea urchin shape, with long slender petals that radiate out from the center of the flower. The flowers bloom in winter and spring and are followed by woody, cone-shaped fruit that are around 5cm long and 3cm wide.
Care Guide
Hakea Petiolaris is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Hakea Petiolaris:
- Water: Hakea Petiolaris prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Hakea Petiolaris with a low-phosphorus fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Hakea Petiolaris prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sunlight: Hakea Petiolaris prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Hakea Petiolaris is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hakea Petiolaris is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant may occasionally be affected by spider mites or scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Hakea Petiolaris may also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or the plant is overwatered.
Habitat
Hakea Petiolaris is native to the southwestern region of Western Australia and is commonly found in sand dunes and coastal areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hakea Petiolaris grow in containers?
A: Yes, Hakea Petiolaris can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Hakea Petiolaris?
A: Fertilize Hakea Petiolaris once a month during the growing season with a low-phosphorus fertilizer.
Q: Is Hakea Petiolaris drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Hakea Petiolaris can tolerate dry conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant.
Q: How tall does Hakea Petiolaris grow?
A: Hakea Petiolaris can grow up to 6 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
Related Plants
- Hakea laurina
- Hakea salicifolia
- Hakea bucculenta
- Hakea sericea
References
- “Hakea petiolaris.” PlantNet. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Hakea~petiolaris
- “Hakea petiolaris.” Australian Native Plants Society. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/h-pet.html
- “Hakea petiolaris.” Gardening With Angus. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/hakea-petiolaris-sea-urchin-hakea/
