In the Garden
KoKi'o 'ula'ula
(Red Hibiscus)
HUI KU MAOLI OLA
Latin: Hibiscus clayi (H. newhousei) There are only two types of red hibiscus native to Hawaii, koki'o 'ula'ula and Hibiscus kokio. The latter was our state flower up until 1988, when it was changed to another native yellow hibiscus, the ma'o hauhele, or Hibiscus brackenridgei (featured here on Sept. 13).The flowers of the koki'o 'ula'ula were used as a mild laxative and as a dye.
Description: A densely compact shrub 3 to 20 feet tall with extremely glossy, light green leaves and striking, small, red, velvetlike flowers. The shrub can be maintained at a short height with pruning. The flower's diameter is only about 2 to 3 inches.
Distribution: This federally listed endangered species has only a single population of about four plants remaining in the wild, found only in the dry forests of Eastern Kauai.
Landscape use and care: This plant makes an excellent addition to any garden. The species is fairly slow-growing, compared with other hibiscus, and has a naturally dense, compact shape, making it great for hedges.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and does best in well-drained soil.
Few pests bother this plant except for the occasional white fly or aphid. Store-bought pesticides should control the problem.
Watering every other day is sufficient until the plant shows signs of new growth. After that, watering once every three to four days should be fine.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. "In the Garden" runs Fridays.
Gardening Calendar
In the Garden runs Fridays in Today.
