In the Garden
Hibiscus Kokio
COURTESY IMAGE
Hawaiians used the petals of Hibiscus Kokio to make a pinkish-red dye. The plant can be found at garden shops such as Home Depot for about $4.
Native Hawaiian Red Hibiscus This species as well as Hibiscus clayi are the only types of red hibiscus that are native to Hawaii. All other red hibiscus seen in landscapes are introduced or are hybrid cultivars.
In Hawaiian culture the flowers of these plants were used as a mild laxative and for producing a pinkish-red dye.
Description: A shrub 4 to 10 feet tall with extremely glossy, dark green leaves and small red flowers that are only about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Depending on the variety (usually varying between islands), the leaf and flower shape and color may differ.
Some varieties have leaves with serrated margins, while others may be smooth. Flower colors may range from dark red (Hibiscus kokio variety pukooense), fluorescent orange (Hibiscus kokio subspecies st. johnianus) and even bright pink (H. kokio subspecies kahiliensis).
Distribution: This species of hibiscus is found sparingly in dry to wet forests of all the main islands except Kahoolawe and Niihau. It is already very rare on the island of Oahu.
Landscape use and care: Hibiscus kokio can be used as a specimen plant or as a hedge. Certain varieties make better hedges, so be sure to ask whomever you are buying them from if it is good for this purpose. Plant them in full sun. Partial shade is OK, but more flowers will bloom with more sun.
Occasionally, whitefly or aphids may be found on the underside of the leaves and on the plant tips. Following directions on store-bought pesticides should help if the problem arises. They can be watered every other day if in well-drained, organically rich soil.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a Native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. Contact him at 259-6580 or send him e-mail at rickbarboza@hawaii.rr.com. "In the Garden" runs Fridays. Gardening Calendar
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