The essence of nature is always required to lead a soothing life. Let it be vegetation or decorative plants, each contributes significantly to a great view. Among them is the Hakea Laurina plant, which is a delight to look at. Their beautiful foliage and red-spined flowers make it a great attraction wherever placed. Moreover, they are easy to maintain in their mature age and require little attention for watering. Here is how to identify a hakea laurina in a garden centre and some tips to take care of the plant by providing it with the ideal growth conditions. 

Brief description of Hakea Laurina

Structure 

The typical hakea Laurine can be a large shrub or a small tree depending on the climatic conditions. When given proper care, the mature plant can reach up to a height of 6 metres. Due to its size and upright habit, it fares better in an open space such as a playground. Pincushion flower plants prefer to be abridged while growing and may outgrow the pot they are planted in very soon. In case of space constraints, you can go for dwarf Hakea Laurina which carries the same characteristics as the standard hakea plant. 

Foliage

When it comes to foliage, the hakea plant offers unmatched fronds that could meet your requirements perfectly. The laurel-shaped leaves are so eye-catching that the entire specimen has been named after it, hence called hakea Laurina. The shape of the leaves is perfect lanceolate with a slightly blue-green colour. They can reach a height up to 15 cm. 

Flower

Pincushion hakea flowers are round in shape and measure a diameter of 5 cm, which is fairly large, making them clearly visible among other plants in a garden centre. Protruding from the red ball at the core is the cluster of spines. It projects long styles with the flower ball’s cherry red or soft cardinal colour. Moreover, hakeas are pollinator magnets, and their honey scent attracts butterflies, bees and birds all around them. 

How to take care of Hakea Laurina plant

Well-drained soil

In general, they prefer medium soil. They are capable of growing in any soil type, provided the planting mix is lime-free and has good drainage. Sandplains are acknowledged as their natural habitat and offer the best soil for healthy growth. 

Full sun

It is a must to position the plant in a sunny spot in the garden if you want to see a compact, rounded look for your hakea laurina tree. They require maximum light in their grooming period, and if placed under partial shade, they will bear fewer flowers and have a more slender appearance than the ones available at the garden centre. 

Little watering

There is no need to keep holding the water jug over the plant for long hours. They do not require much water to survive and are fairly drought-tolerant. 

Climate 

Belonging to the continent of Australia, hakeas grow well in tropical regions. They are frost tolerant and can easily survive in extremely cold weather. However, their flowers appear to shrink a bit which is completely normal under the given climatic conditions. 

Moderate pruning

It is essential to prune the plant when you see new growth. This not only helps you to manage the size and shape of the hakea but will also protect it from leaf mould. In the flowering season, cut back the tip growth by 15-20 cm from its end to keep the plant robust and healthy.  It should be carefully noted to avoid pruning thick branches as they may never grow again. 

Conclusion

Hakea Laurina requires a bit of care during the sowing and blooming period. They can sustain well in harsh climates when fully grown. Visit your nearest garden centre and bring this handley plant to highlight your nature love.