Tree Hakea Plant Care
Hakea arborescens R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hakea arborescens, commonly known as the common hakea or the yellow hakea, is a shrub or tree of the genus Hakea native to parts of northern Australia.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Hakea?
Plant Tree Hakea in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tree Hakea Native To?
What Is the Tree Hakea?
Tree Hakea (Hakea arborescens) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Hakea genus. Tree Hakea is native to parts of northern Australia. Tree Hakea is also known as Hairy Hakea.
Tree Hakea displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tree Hakea produces showy clusters of small, colorful flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Hakea?
Water a young or newly planted Tree Hakea every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Tree Hakea Need?
Tree Hakea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Hakea Prefer?
Hakea arborescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tree Hakea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Hakea?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tree Hakea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Hakea?
Feed Tree Hakea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Tree Hakea?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Tree Hakea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Tree Hakea?
Tree Hakea can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Tree Hakea?
Prune Tree Hakea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Tree Hakea in Winter?
Tree Hakea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Tree Hakea?
Tree Hakea can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coastal hakea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Hakea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tree Hakea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tree Hakea?
Tree Hakea is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tree Hakea Need?
Tree Hakea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tree Hakea is native to parts of northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Tree Hakea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tree Hakea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hakea genus — compare its care with other Hakea species on PlantoScan.
Hakea is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.
Tree Hakea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hakea Species
Other Hakea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hakea arborescens R.Br., family Proteaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10: 187 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tree Hakea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
