In the Garden
Nehe
Latin name: Wollastonia integrifolia
syn. Lipochaeta integrifoliaNehe, along with other members of the same genus are often referred to as the native Wedelia. This is partially because they are believed to have evolved from it, and their flowers are similar in appearance.
Description: A low crawling ground cover, 6 to 8 inches tall, that has silvery- green foliage and several bright yellow flowers.
Distribution: This plant is endemic to Hawaii, meaning that it is found nowhere else beyond Kure Atoll and Laysan in the Northwestern islands. It is fairly common here and grows on the coastlines of all the main Hawaiian islands.
Landscape uses and care: Like most of us here in Hawaii, nehe loves bright sunny days, which is why it spends all its time at the beach. Plant it in the sunniest location of your yard or garden. Initially, a good soaking every other day will help establish this plant quickly.
When the plant begins to show signs of growth, slowly reduce the amount of watering. Within two to four months you should be watering only twice weekly at most. Over watering will make the plant grow too quickly, making it look leggy, or sparse.
Full sun along with the advised watering schedule will make the plant look full and healthy. If using this plant as a ground cover, the recommended spacing is a foot apart for maximum coverage. As this plant grows and spreads, roots often develop wherever the nodes hit the dirt. This helps to stabilize the soil and prevents erosion.
This plant also looks great in a hanging basket.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a Native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. Contact him at 259-6580 or e-mail rickbarboza@hawaii.rr.com Gardening Calendar
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