In The Garden Guest Writers

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Shrub’s flowers are dazzling

Kolokolo Kuahiwi
Lysimachia glutinosa
Kauai primrose

Description: This very attractive sprawling shrub has light green, elliptical leaves that taper to a sharp point. The young leaves and stems, flower buds and calyx have a viscous, resinlike covering that gives them a "tacky" feeling, but as the leaves get older they lose that stickiness. The flowers are a real show-stopper. They hang upside down on a long, narrow stem that protrudes from the foliage. They are about 2 inches in diameter with a cream-colored corolla and a light but sweet fragrance. Amazingly, these flowers can stay open for a week or more and are very durable.

HUI KU MAOLI OLA The kolokolo kuahiwi can only be found in the Kokee region of Kauai.

Distribution: This endemic plant is found naturally only in the Kokee region of Kauai and nowhere else in the world, but it represents one of seven primrose species on the island. This is also an interesting note, as only 11 native species in total are found in the state of Hawaii.

Landscape use and care: This primrose will do best in well-drained, moist soil, and although it can tolerate partial shade, it will flower more in full sun and grow into a more robust shrub, rather than a leggy one. Few pests bother this plant, but if you do notice anything, you can remove the bugs by hand or apply pesticides. Like many native plants, this one is rarely made available for retail purchase, but it is available at Home Depot for a limited time for $9.37. I hope that in the future it will be easier to purchase as its beauty certainly makes it deserving.

Cultural use: Because of its long-lasting characteristic, the flowers are great for use in leis or flower arrangements. The seed capsules are also interesting and can be used for the same purpose.

Extra info: There is no known Hawaiian name for this plant. We call it by a generic name, kolokolo kuahiwi, because other native primroses go by that name. Other names for these plants include kolokolo lehua, kolekole lehua, lehua makanoe and puahekili.

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