Hakea bucculenta
Red PokersFamily: Proteaceae
Origin: Western Australia
It's an evergreen large shrub 5-10 ft tall with a relatively dense and upright habit and grey-green, broadly oval foliage. The plant is known for its profuse and impressive flowering in spring (particularly after fire) and summer. The flowers are short red and crimson, tinged with vinous, which contrast nicely in the foliage.
Hakea bucculenta is best suited for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Zones 9-11. In colder zones, it must be grown in containers and brought inside during winter. To properly plant this tree in colder areas, choose a sunny location and use a soil mix that is well-draining and moderately moist. Planting the Hakea bucculenta in a large, deep pot will protect it from extreme weather and allow for the roots to have plenty of room to spread. For best results, use a potting soil made of one part premium potting soil and one part perlite. Water the plant regularly and fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium every 6 weeks.
This plant also needs pruning in late winter to keep its shape. Although pruning must be done carefully, it's important because it will encourage new growth and set the plant up to flower over the particular growing season. Additionally, it is necessary to keep the shrub on the drier side during the winter months and apply fertilizer in the spring when growth begins.
Placing some mulch around the shrub can also be beneficial in retaining moisture and feeding the soil. Furthermore, paying attention for signs of dieback, such as root rot and fungal leaf spots can help maintain a healthy Hakea bucculenta as these signs may indicate that the shrub is getting too much moisture which can quickly lead to its demise.
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