Hakea drupacea aka Sweet Hakea

Hakea drupacea, or sweet hakea, belongs to the Proteaceae family. It is a shrub native to Australia. Kew lists its range in southwestern and southeastern Australia. Plants For A Future gives southwestern Western Australia as its range. That source places it among low, tough-leaved shrubs. It grows near granite outcrops and in rocky or stony ground. Records also place it in disturbed ground near old gravel pits.

Plants For A Future gives a garden size of 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall and wide. Its height and spread make a broad shrub. The supplied species evidence gives no leaf or bark details. The RHS lists Hakea suaveolens as a synonym. Plants For A Future records flowers from December to February. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied sources give no species-level details of flower colour or fruit.

This shrub suits a hot, dry spot in a mild climate. It grows in full sun or light shade. Plants For A Future lists sandy, loamy and clay soils as suitable. It accepts mildly acid to neutral soil. The same source calls for soil free of lime. Its listed soil moisture range runs from dry to moist. This allows some choice of site without a need for wet ground. It withstands strong winds, but the source warns against maritime exposure.

Sweet hakea has a role as a hedge in warm areas. Plants For A Future also places it at sunny woodland edges. Sites with dappled shade offer another option. Its hedge guidance mentions warm coastal areas, despite its warning about maritime exposure. Treat those statements as a distinction between coastal warmth and direct exposure. The source calls the shrub tender in Britain. It limits outdoor growing there to the mildest areas. Its listed USDA range is zones 8–11.

Plants For A Future recommends raising this shrub from seed. Sow ripe seed under glass in autumn, or wait until spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them under glass through at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after frost risk passes. The source lists no known edible or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, which does not establish safety for eating. The supplied evidence identifies no species-specific pests or diseases.