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) 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 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
By shihina, Shutterstock, Forest and Kim Starr, Flickr
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m) |
Spread | 20' – 25' (6m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |