Included in this number are some beautiful plants with large, colourful, nectar-filled flowers and interesting woody fruits.

Unfortunately, only a small number are in general cultivation but this deficiency is being remedied by native plant enthusiasts. Western hakeas have proved to be hardy and free flowering in our rather inclement climate.

Unlike their close relatives the grevilleas, hakeas rarely hybridise, but there is one becoming well known in cultivation. Hakea “Burrendong Beauty” is a hybrid that appeared in Burrendong Arboretum near Wellington. Two western species are the parents of “Burrendong Beauty”.

“Burrendong Beauty” develops into a mounded ground cover forming a dense clump one metre high by the same width. The branches are reddish and the leaves are stiff, up to three centimetres long with a sharp point.

The spectacular flowers are held in the base of each leaf and are carmine red with cream styles. Flowering starts in early autumn and continues through to early winter. This beautiful hakea could be cultivated as a foreground plant in garden beds.

Hakea laurina, the pincushion hakea, is well known in cultivation. This tall shrub has long, leathery leaves. New growth is silky bronze.

Flowers are carried in globular clusters that are initially red and cream then age to red. Autumn is the main flowering period. Blooms are followed by almond-shaped, woody fruits.

The pincushion hakea could be cultivated in hedges and screens. In some places, the species is grown as a street tree.

Hakea multilineata, the grass-leaf hakea, is a tall shrub with upright growth habit. The common name refers to the long, narrow leaves. The flowers develop into long clusters that extend along the upper branches.

They are a very showy reddish pink. Flowering extends from early winter to mid-spring. Woody fruits are carried in large, egg-shaped clusters.

This hardy hakea will bring welcome colour to your winter garden. The grass-leaf hakea would be a useful addition to an informal hedge.

Hakea petiolaris, the sea-urchin hakea, is a tall shrub or small tree. The leaves are large, oval and blue-green with a leathery texture.

The flowers are in large globular clusters that are carried on old wood and in the leaf bases. They are pinkish orange and are also carried in the cooler months. Honeyeaters are partial to the nectar-filled flowers. The blooms resemble sea-urchins hence the common name. Both foliage and flowers are attractive features.

This handsome hakea could be used as a “stand alone” specimen plant in the centre of a lawn.

These are just a few of the western hakeas suitable for local gardens.