There are about 140 species in Australia occurring in all states. They belong to the proteaceae family, which includes among its members banksia, grevillea, isopogon, telopea and petrophile, all renowned for their outstanding flowers.

Most species dislike water lying around their trunks and root systems for extended periods. This can result in dieback of branches or even death however, the problem should not occur if well drained locations in the garden are chosen.

All hakea species will withstand a light pruning and regular clipping which is needed to promote bushiness and flower production. The best time to do this is after flowering.

Hakeas will often respond to a light application of a slow release native fertiliser.

Hakeas are not usually prone to pest attack. There might be the occasional outbreak of scale insects with a resulting sooty mould and this should be controlled by the application of white oil preferably in cool weather to prevent any scorching of the leaves.

Hakeas are a haven for nectar feeding birds, such as the honeyeaters, during a time of year when there are very few plants in flower.

Of all the hakeas, the pincushion hakeas, so named for the way their flowers are arranged, would be the most commonly grown with Hakea laurina the most popular due to its growability. It's widely used as a street tree such is its hardiness.

A tough, fast growing dense, large shrub or small tree Hakea laurina will grow from 4-8m high by about the same width.

It produces spectacular flowers from March often through to August.

The nectar-rich rounded, bright crimson ball flowers resemble a pin cushion with thin, creamy-coloured styles protruding from them like short pins. They are about 5cms in diameter and are produced in the leaf axils of the previous year's growth.

This hakea gets its specific name laurina from the long, narrow, leathery leaves because they are similar to that of the laurel. Leaves grow to 15cms long by 2cms wide, are dark green and the new growth can have an eye-catching bronze appearance.

The ideal planting position for this hakea is an open, sunny spot but it will put up with some shade. An acidic to neutral, well drained soil is preferred.

Once established, they will tolerate frosts. Suited to sheltered coastal conditions.

When staking a plant do not tie it too tight. Allow for some limited movement of the main stem as this helps to develop new, strong roots as the plant should not be reliant on a stake all of its life.

Hakeas are fairly easy to raise from seed and generally come true to form. Collected seed capsules are stored in a paper bag in a warm place, as the capsules dry they will open and release two seeds.

Seed should be sown into a seed raising mix suited to native plants. Keep mix moist until germination occurs, usually within 6-10 weeks.

May 8: Longford Garden Club, Christ Church Parish Hall, William Street, Longford, 7.30pm

May 15: Launceston Horticultural Society, St Ailbes Hall, Margaret Street, 8.30pm. Heather Pryor will speak on Gardens of Vancover Island, British Columbia, Canada. Visitors welcome.

May 16: Launceston Orchid Society-Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston, 7.00m

May 21: The Australian Plant Society - Max Fry Hall. Gorge Road, Launceston, 7.30pm. Matt Baker will speak on the botany of weeds and how to use it against them.

Daily: Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Burnie. Open 9am to 5pm. Tea room 10am-4pm.