HAKEA sericea (White fls)

Commonly known as the Silky Hakea or Bushy needlewood, Hakea sericea produces attractive clusters of white flowers during the months of month and spring. Flowers can often have a tinge of pink.

Branchlets are covered in dense short woolly grey-white hairs. Foliage consists of needle-like leaves up to 7 cm long and 1 mm wide ending in a point that are covered in silky hairs before becoming smooth hence the common name of Silky Hakea and Bushy Needlebush

Prefers a light open soil in a sunny position. Drought, frost, and flood-resistant.

Occurs naturally in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.

1. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury seed deeply.
2. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
3. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
4. Germination should occur in 14-42 days depending on the temperature and conditions.

Pre-germination of seed by sowing into a closed container containing moist vermiculite or similar material is also a useful method of germinating seeds, particularly for winter sowing when outdoor temperatures may be unsuitable. Germination usually occurs in 1-2 weeks using this method and when the root has reached about a centimetre or so in length, the seedling can be placed into a small pot of seed raising mix. (Source Australian Native Plants Society)

Pre-treatment of smoke: Not considered critical for this Hakea but may be beneficial.
Many members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.