Hakea purpurea

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Plant
ID 1117 Hakea purpurea
Botanic Name Hakea purpurea
Common Name Crimson Hakea
Family Name Proteaceae
Cultivars
Origin Australia, NSW, Queensland, Zone 8-10
Growth Type Shrub
Bark Type Woody
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 140
Growth Habit Upright-bushy Growth Rate Fast
Height 1.5 - 3 m (5 - 10 ft) Spread 1 m (3 ft)
Plant Overview
This upright shrub has slender branches with an open textured rounded crown. It has narrow linear mid-green leaves and the bright red tube-shaped flowers are arranged in a open cluster from winter to summer.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Linear
The needle-like (terete) mid-green linear leaves are up to 100 mm (4 in) long. They may also be compound and divided once or twice with a pointed apex.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Mid green
Size 40 - 100 mm ( 1.6 - 3.9 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Tubulate
The small reddish purple tubulate flowers are up to 12 mm (½ in) long with a pistil to 33 mm (1¼ in) long. There are 4 - 10 flowers arranged in an axillary cluster on a short peduncle and appear profusely from winter to spring.
Inflorescence Cluster or Fascicle
Colour Red
Size 5 - 12 mm ( 0.2 - 0.5 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Follicle Additional Information
Colour Brown
The reddish-brown oblong woody follicle is up to 35 mm (1 3/8 in) long by 20 mm (¾ in) wide and has a pointed apex. The seed is up to 24 mm (1 in) long with a wing that encircles the body of the seed. There are normally only a few fruit on the plant
Edible No
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 28 - 35 mm ( 1.1 - 1.4 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained, poor-fertile moist sandy to clay loam, acidic, pH 5.5-7.0
Container Not normally grown as a container plant
Climate Warm to sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun to semi-shade open position, drought and light frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases Root rot, cottony & toxic scale, leaf spots, white fly, borer, looper
Fertiliser Not normally required, keep moist during summer
Pruning May require an annual light prune after flowering to thicken up
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Crimson Hakea is grown for its attractive flowers. It is planted in small or native gardens as a specimen along borders for screening and to attract native birds. it is also used in woodland settings or in regeneration programmes.
Sow fresh seeds during early spring and pre-soak seeds in heated water for 24 hours. The seeds may require scarification.
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