Hakea carinata aka Erect Hakea

Hakea carinata is an easy-care plant suitable for beginner gardeners. It is frost hardy down to -4°C (25°F), drought tolerant once established, and adaptable to a range of free-draining situations. The main consideration is avoiding high-phosphorus fertilizers, as this species (like all Proteaceae) is sensitive to phosphorus and can develop toxicity symptoms including yellowing leaves.

Hakea carinata thrives in well-drained soils, preferring sandy or loamy textures. The species tolerates acidic to neutral pH and can adapt to slightly alkaline conditions. Good drainage is essential—the plant will not tolerate waterlogged soils. Like all Proteaceae, it has evolved specialized cluster roots for nutrient uptake in poor soils, so rich garden soil is unnecessary and high-phosphorus fertilizers should be avoided.

Seeds are the most reliable propagation method for Hakea carinata. Collect seed pods 12 months after flowering and expose them to heat (place in a sunny spot or oven at 180°C for 10 minutes) to crack them open. Sow seeds in a well-drained perlite-peat mix and keep moist; germination typically occurs within 3-12 weeks at 18-20°C. Cuttings are more difficult but possible—take semi-hardwood cuttings of 75-100mm in autumn to early spring, remove lower leaves, wound the base, apply rooting hormone, and maintain moisture until roots develop.

Hakea carinata is a medium-sized shrub that typically reaches 1.5 to 3 metres (5 to 10 feet) in height with a spread of 1 to 2.5 metres. It has an upright, spreading habit and is evergreen. The growth rate is moderate, and the plant can be maintained at smaller sizes through regular pruning after flowering. In optimal full-sun conditions with well-drained soil, it forms a compact, rounded shrub.

Hakea carinata is native to southeastern Australia, specifically South Australia. It has a scattered distribution in the southern Flinders Ranges and Mount Lofty Ranges, with isolated populations around Padthaway in the southeast. The species is indigenous to several South Australian botanical regions including Flinders Ranges, Northern Lofty, Murray, Yorke Peninsula, Southern Lofty, and South Eastern regions.

Hakea carinata produces attractive clusters of cream-white flowers from late winter through spring and into early summer. Each inflorescence contains 8 to 24 individual flowers that appear in the leaf axils. The blooms are valuable to wildlife, particularly attracting honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds, as well as various insect pollinators.

Hakea carinata is pollinated primarily by birds, particularly honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), which feed on the nectar-rich flowers. Insects also contribute to pollination. Research on Western Australian Hakeas shows that pollination strategy correlates with stigma-nectary distance—species with longer distances are typically bird-pollinated. The flowers provide an important food source for native wildlife.

Hakea carinata is exclusively an outdoor plant, thriving in USDA zones 9-11. It tolerates frost down to -4°C (25°F) and performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. The species is ideal for Mediterranean and similar climates with dry summers.

Prune Hakea carinata regularly after flowering, removing about one-third of the plant to encourage bushy growth. Start pruning when the plant is young, cutting back 10-15cm from tip growth. Avoid cutting thick woody branches as they may not regenerate. Regular pruning helps manage size and shape while preventing leaf mould. Some Hakeas can be cut back severely if straggly, but always leave some green foliage on the plant.

Hakea carinata requires minimal to no fertilization. As a member of the Proteaceae family, this species is highly sensitive to phosphorus and can develop toxicity symptoms if exposed to high-phosphorus fertilizers. If fertilizing, use only phosphorus-free or very low-phosphorus native plant fertilizers at low strength and infrequently. The plant's specialized cluster roots are naturally efficient at extracting nutrients from poor soils.

Hakea carinata is largely pest and disease free. Occasionally, borers may attack stems (detectable by sawdust near tunnel entrances), and common garden pests like caterpillars, scale, and sooty mould may appear but are rarely serious. The main disease concern is Phytophthora root rot, which can be fatal—prevent it by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering. Plants showing phosphorus toxicity (yellowing leaves) should be treated with iron and zinc foliar sprays.

Yellow leaves on Hakea carinata typically indicate phosphorus toxicity rather than nutrient deficiency. As a Proteaceae, this species is extremely sensitive to phosphorus, and excess phosphorus interferes with iron uptake, causing interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins). Stop any fertilizer application, especially those containing phosphorus. Apply foliar iron and zinc sprays for 4 weeks to help restore balance.

Hakea carinata is frost hardy and tolerates temperatures down to -4°C (25°F). It thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The species is well-suited to USDA zones 9-11 and performs best in warm to hot conditions with full sun exposure. While it handles moderate frost, severe or prolonged freezing temperatures will damage or kill the plant.

Erect Hakea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

To ensure optimal growth, the Erect Hakea prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.