About
Hakea lissosperma, the needlebush, is a columnar, evergreen shrub or small tree with upright-growing, needle-like, grey-green leaves. In spring and early summer, clusters of tubular, white flowers with curly petals appear at the branch tips, followed by dark-brown, oval seed pods. A distinctive and ornamental shrub for a frost-free, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Hakea are evergreen shrubs and trees from Australia with leathery, often needle-like or flattened leaves and small, tubular flowers in clusters, followed by woody, persistent seed pods. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toAustralia Tasmania
ToxicitySkin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant/allergen - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationIn mild areas grow in fertile, well-drained, sandy, slightly acid soil in full sun. Under glass grow in a mix of equal parts loam, peat substitute or leaf mould and sharp sand in full light. Apply phosphate-free fertiliser monthly in the growing season
PruningPruning group 1. May need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 16°C as soon as ripe; sow singly to avoid root disturbance. Or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora root rot in moist soil