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Hibiscus arnottianus (Hawaiian White Hibiscus)

Hawaiian White Hibiscus, Native White Rose Mallow, Pamakani, Koki'o Ke'oke'o, Hau Hele, Koki'o Kea, O'ahu White Hibiscus, Hibiscus immaculatus, Hibiscus punaluuensis

Hibiscus arnottianus, Hawaiian White Hibiscus, Native White Rose Mallow, Pamakani, Koki'o Ke'oke'o, Hau Hele, Koki'o Kea, O'ahu White Hibiscus, Hibiscus immaculatus, Hibiscus punaluuensis
Hibiscus arnottianus, Hawaiian White Hibiscus, Native White Rose Mallow, Pamakani, Koki'o Ke'oke'o, Hau Hele, Koki'o Kea, O'ahu White Hibiscus, Hibiscus immaculatus, Hibiscus punaluuensis

Hibiscus arnottianus (Hawaiian White Hibiscus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree of open and airy to compact habit. Blooming almost continuously, it boasts slightly fragrant, pinwheel shaped, white flowers, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), with a conspicuous, protruding, pink to red staminal column. Borne at the tips of the branches, the showy blossoms stand out against the evergreen foliage of oval, smooth leaves, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), often adorned with red veins. Hawaiian White Hibiscus is a Hawaiian endemic plant that is native to the moist to wet forests of the mountains of Moloka’i and O’ahu. It has three uniquely different subspecies, and one of them (the Molokaʻi subspecies immaculatus) is endangered and extremely rare in its native habitat. Hibiscus arnottianus and H. waimeae, are the only species of hibiscuses in the world known to have fragrant flowers. Hawaiian White Hibiscus is a beautiful landscape accent with dramatic year-round blooms.

  • Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall (450-900 cm) and 20-25 ft. wide (600-750 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates some light shade, but best flower production and disease resistance occur in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great as a specimen, as a flowering hedge or screen or for containers.
  • Keep an eye out for sucking insects, leaf spot.
  • Prune as required but generally best not to prune too heavily.
  • Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, air layering, grafting.
  • Native to Hawaii.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 30'
(4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Painted Lady’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fifth Dimension’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cooperi’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ (Rose Mallow)
Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Rose Mallow)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 30'
(4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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