Hakea bucculenta

red pokers
Upright evergreen shrub w showy hummingbird-magnet red-orange flowers in winter-spring. Minimal water and fertilizer. Great in pots, or in sandy, rocky, or well-drained garden soils.
height 7–14ft
width 5–12ft
tolerates Drought, Pots
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Hakeas are drought tolerant, but this species from Western Australia’s Indian Ocean coast may need infrequent additional summer water once established in hotter areas. Hakeas prefer well-drained soil with minimal phosphorus content.
hardy
to		 20F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin W Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–H1

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Native to the sandy soils along the balmy Indian Ocean coast north of Perth, this species needs excellent drainage to thrive. A large pot will do the trick if your garden’s soil is heavy. Do not apply organic mulch. It prefers acid soil but tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
It is not suited to windy locations. In those areas plant it near supporting and wind-buffering shrubs.
Prune only to remove dead wood. If you’re pruning live portions, make sure weather is dry and will remain so for at least 24 hours afterwards.
Brushy upswept vase-shaped growth makes for a lovely informal hedge or screen.

Special Interest

Vivid vermilion colored flowers in late winter attract hungry hummingbirds and even bees.

More Info

Resembles Hakea francisiana. Surprisingly cold-hardy, given its native range.