Clermontia samuelii Plant Care
Clermontia samuelii F.B.Forbes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clermontia samuelii is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family known by the common name Hana clermontia. It is one of several Hawaiian lobelioids in genus Clermontia that are known as `oha wai.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Clermontia samuelii?
Plant Clermontia samuelii in filtered sunlight (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Clermontia samuelii?
Clermontia samuelii (Clermontia samuelii) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Clermontia genus. Clermontia samuelii is native to Maui.
Clermontia samuelii displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Clermontia samuelii produces showy, tubular flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clermontia samuelii?
Water a young or newly planted Clermontia samuelii every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Clermontia samuelii Need?
Clermontia samuelii thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Clermontia samuelii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Clermontia samuelii Prefer?
Clermontia samuelii tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Clermontia samuelii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Clermontia samuelii?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Clermontia samuelii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Clermontia samuelii?
Feed Clermontia samuelii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Clermontia samuelii?
Choose a spot with filtered sunlight and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Clermontia samuelii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Clermontia samuelii?
Clermontia samuelii can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Clermontia samuelii?
Prune Clermontia samuelii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Clermontia samuelii in Winter?
Clermontia samuelii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Clermontia samuelii?
Clermontia samuelii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kīhāpai plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Clermontia samuelii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Clermontia samuelii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Clermontia samuelii?
Clermontia samuelii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Clermontia samuelii Need?
Clermontia samuelii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Clermontia samuelii is native to Maui. In cooler regions, grow Clermontia samuelii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Clermontia samuelii is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Clermontia genus — compare its care with other Clermontia species on PlantoScan.
Clermontia is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Clermontia samuelii produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clermontia samuelii F.B.Forbes, family Campanulaceae (first published in Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 7: 37 1920) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Clermontia samuelii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
