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Description
Hakea Sericea, also known as the Silky Hakea, is a shrub that is native to Australia. It belongs to the Proteaceae family and is known for its unique flowers and hardiness. The plant can grow up to 6 meters tall and 3 meters wide. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 20 cm in length, and have a silvery-grey appearance. The flowers are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 5 cm long. They are usually a pale pink or cream color and appear in clusters from late winter to early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Hakea |
Appearance
The Silky Hakea is a shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall and 3 meters wide. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 20 cm in length, and have a silvery-grey appearance. The flowers are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 5 cm long. They are usually a pale pink or cream color and appear in clusters from late winter to early spring. The fruit of the plant is a woody capsule, measuring up to 3 cm in length, and contains two seeds.
Care Guide
The Silky Hakea is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Silky Hakea:
- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. However, it should be watered regularly during its first year to help establish its root system.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Silky Hakea is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Silky Hakea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. It can also be affected by spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Silky Hakea is native to Australia and can be found in a range of habitats, including woodlands and heathlands. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Silky Hakea a fast-growing plant?
A: The Silky Hakea is a relatively slow-growing plant.
Q: Can the Silky Hakea tolerate frost?
A: The Silky Hakea can tolerate light frost but may be damaged by severe frost.
Q: Can the Silky Hakea be grown in containers?
A: The Silky Hakea can be grown in containers but may require regular pruning to prevent it from becoming too large.
Q: Does the Silky Hakea attract wildlife?
A: The Silky Hakea attracts birds, which feed on its nectar and use it for shelter.
Related Plants
- Hakea laurina
- Hakea drupacea
- Hakea salicifolia
References
- “Hakea sericea.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed June 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/h-ser.html.
- “Hakea sericea.” PlantNet. Accessed June 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Hakea~sericea.
- “Hakea sericea.” Gardening With Angus. Accessed June 2021. https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/hakea-sericea-silky-hakea/.
