Dagger Hakea Plant Care
Hakea archaeoides W.R.Barker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hakea archaeoides is a large shrub or small tree commonly known as Big Nellie hakea and is endemic to forest areas on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. It has clusters of red and greenish yellow flowers in the flowering season.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dagger Hakea?
Plant Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea Native To?
What Is the Dagger Hakea?
Dagger Hakea (Hakea archaeoides) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Hakea genus. Dagger Hakea is native to forest areas on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Dagger Hakea is also known as Arch Hakea.
Dagger Hakea displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Dagger Hakea produces showy clusters of small, colorful flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dagger Hakea?
Water a young or newly planted Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea Need?
Dagger Hakea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dagger Hakea Prefer?
Hakea archaeoides tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Dagger Hakea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dagger Hakea?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dagger Hakea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dagger Hakea?
Feed Dagger 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 Dagger 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.
Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea?
Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea?
Prune Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea in Winter?
Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea?
Dagger Hakea can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coastal hakea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dagger Hakea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea?
Dagger 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 Dagger Hakea Need?
Dagger Hakea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dagger Hakea is native to forest areas on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Dagger Hakea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dagger 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.
Dagger 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 archaeoides W.R.Barker, family Proteaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 17B: 393 (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dagger 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.
