
Photo: sarefoCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Dubautia kenwoodii Plant Care
Dubautia kenwoodii G.D.Carr
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dubautia kenwoodii, the Kalalau rim dubautia, is an "extremely rare" species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Hawaii where it is known only from the island of Kauai. Only one plant has ever been seen: the type specimen. A part of this plant was collected in 1991 and the individual was described as a new species in 1998. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010. Like other Dubautia this plant is known as na`ena`e.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dubautia kenwoodii?
Plant Dubautia kenwoodii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dubautia kenwoodii Native To?
What Is the Dubautia kenwoodii?
Dubautia kenwoodii (Dubautia kenwoodii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dubautia genus. Dubautia kenwoodii is native to Hawaii.
Dubautia kenwoodii displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dubautia kenwoodii produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dubautia kenwoodii?
Water a young or newly planted Dubautia kenwoodii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Dubautia kenwoodii Need?
Dubautia kenwoodii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dubautia kenwoodii Prefer?
Dubautia kenwoodii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dubautia kenwoodii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dubautia kenwoodii?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dubautia kenwoodii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dubautia kenwoodii?
Feed Dubautia kenwoodii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 Dubautia kenwoodii?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dubautia kenwoodii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dubautia kenwoodii?
Dubautia kenwoodii can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Dubautia kenwoodii?
Prune Dubautia kenwoodii 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 shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Dubautia kenwoodii in Winter?
Dubautia kenwoodii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 Dubautia kenwoodii?
Dubautia kenwoodii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree dubautia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dubautia kenwoodii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dubautia kenwoodii, 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 Dubautia kenwoodii?
Dubautia kenwoodii is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Dubautia kenwoodii Need?
Dubautia kenwoodii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dubautia kenwoodii is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Dubautia kenwoodii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dubautia kenwoodii 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 Dubautia genus — compare its care with other Dubautia species on PlantoScan.
Dubautia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Dubautia kenwoodii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dubautia Species
Other Dubautia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dubautia kenwoodii G.D.Carr, family Asteraceae (first published in Novon 8: 8 (1998)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dubautia kenwoodii, 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.
- Photo: sarefo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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.
