Flower Library
Hakea
Hakea · Proteaceae
Hakea is a structural foliage for florists looking for something special: stiff, needle-shaped leaves surrounding the branch like a green bottle brush — not soft filler, but a graphic statement. It lasts for weeks, forgives almost any treatment and gives modern and autumnal designs a striking framework. We pick up hakea at the Veiling Rhein-Maas whenever structure-led commissions come in.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
- Latin name
- Hakea
- Colors
- Dark green, Grey-green, Silvery-frosted
As cut foliage, the trade mainly carries needle-leaved species such as Hakea sericea and Hakea lissosperma: upright branches densely set with firm, sharp needles in dark to grey-green. In season some lots carry small white or pink flower clusters in the needle axils — a pretty bonus, though it is the structure that is traded.
In floristry, hakea bridges the gap between conifer greens and exotics: it has the graphic severity of needle foliage but belongs to the protea family, so it harmonises with the Cape range of protea, leucadendron and eucalyptus. It also sits well next to thistles and grasses.
Its strength is the framework: in bouquets its stiff shoots literally hold focal flowers in position, in arrangements it provides height and line. In winter it replaces fir greenery in more modern work — with the advantage that it does not shed but keeps its needles firmly on the branch.
Some respect is due when handling: the needle tips are genuinely sharp. We process larger quantities with rose gloves and recommend at home, too, gripping the branch by the stem rather than the needle coat. This is not toxicity, just mechanics — as with a cactus.
In care, hakea is as undemanding as foliage gets: a fresh cut, clean water, done. It easily lasts two to three weeks and then dries down holding its shape, making it suitable for dried designs and lasting vessel fillings as well.
Is Hakea toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
There is hardly any toxicological data on hakea; the family is considered low-risk. The real hazard is the sharp needles, which can mechanically injure skin and mucous membranes — keep away from pets and small children.
Typical symptoms: Puncture injuries to skin or mouth; after swallowing, irritation of the digestive tract from the hard needles is possible.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the woody stems at an angle and place them in plenty of clean water.
- 02Take care when handling or wear gloves — the needle tips prick.
- 03Strip off any needles that would reach below the waterline first.
- 04Change the water every three days; hakea needs no more care than that.
- 05Cool or room temperature are both fine; avoid harsh sun.
- 06At the end of its vase life simply let it dry off — the structure remains.
Frequently asked
- How long does hakea last in the vase?
- Two to three weeks are normal, and it often outlives several generations of flowers in the same bouquet. Afterwards it dries down holding its shape and can be reused in dried designs — a very economical foliage.
- Is hakea toxic or just spiky?
- Mostly spiky: the sharp needles can prick skin, muzzles and paws — a mechanical risk, not a poison. There is hardly any toxicological data on hakea, which is why we keep it away from pets and small children as a precaution. Ingestion is unlikely anyway given the hard needles.
- What does hakea go with in a bouquet?
- Best with structural material: protea, leucadendron, eucalyptus, thistles and grasses. In winter it works well in place of fir greenery in modern designs. Its stern character suits romantic, delicate blooms such as ranunculus less.
- Can you dry hakea?
- Yes, without any trouble. The firm needles keep their shape and posture as they dry, only the colour turns slightly more muted. Simply hang it upside down or leave it standing in the vase without water — dried hakea lasts many months in arrangements.