A hybrid with mystery parents (more on that later), this stunning Australian native shrub is all drama — in the best possible way. Flowering from late Autumn through to Spring, it explodes in hot pink brushes that are magnets for honeyeaters and bees. Better yet? It’s tough, tidy and practically thrives on neglect.
Botanical name
Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’ (exact parentage debated — likely a cross between Hakea myrtoides and Hakea petiolaris)
Common name
Hakea, Burrendong Beauty
Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’ description
Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’ is a cultivated hybrid, discovered at the Burrendong Arboretum in New South Wales. Its exact parentage isn’t confirmed, but it’s believed to be a happy accident between two very different Hakeas. Whatever the parentage, the result is pure brilliance.
Compact and dense, this small shrub grows up to 1.5 metres high and around 2 metres wide — perfect for smaller gardens, native beds or wildlife-friendly hedging. Its foliage is fine, giving it a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with bolder plants. From late Autumn to early Spring, it bursts with clusters of vivid hot pink spider flowers that seem to glow against the foliage. They’re not shy… you’ll notice them from across the street.
Climate
Warm temperate, Dry, arid conditions. Hakeas do not like humidity.
Plant cultivation & care
Like most Hakeas, ‘Burrendong Beauty’ likes things dry and sunny. Plant in a full sun to part shade position, though you’ll get the best flowering in full sun.
This is a plant that absolutely will not forgive soggy soil, especially over Winter. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. If you’re planting in clay, mound it up or mix in plenty of grit to improve drainage. It’s also worth noting that Hakeas can be prickly but ‘Burrendong Beauty’ is relatively soft by comparison. Having said that, give it a bit of space if it’s near a path.
Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant. Perfect for water-wise gardens.
Plant use
Native gardens, wildlife gardens, dry gardens, shrubberies, large pots with excellent drainage, low maintenance gardens, attracts pollinators, cut flowers
Pruning
Low maintenance. Give it a light prune after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness.
Pests & diseases
No specific pests and diseases
Why you’ll love it…
- Winter colour – Who doesn’t want fireworks in the garden when everything else is sleeping?
- Wildlife magnet – Bees, butterflies and honeyeaters all line up for the nectar-rich blooms.
- Hardy as nails – Once it’s settled in, it thrives in poor soil, heat and drought.
- Great for shaping – Its compact form and soft foliage make it ideal for low screens or feature shrubs.
Got one already growing? Tell us how it performs in your corner of Australia and if you’ve figured out exactly who its parents are, we’d love to know… 🙂
Love native plants? Why not wear your garden pride too! While you’re planting your Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’, get the job done with ease using our Garden Hand Tool Combo Pack — a practical pair made for Aussie conditions. And when you’re not in the garden, show off your love of the bush with our charming Kookaburra Earrings — lightweight, uniquely Australian and just the right amount of cheeky. Perfect for gardeners who dig native style on and off the tools.
