Maui hau hebe Plant Care

Maui hau hebe (Hibiscadelphus bombycinus) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hibiscadelphus genus. Maui hau hebe is native to the Kohala mountain on the island of Hawaiʻi, in the U.

Maui hau hebe displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Maui hau hebe produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, or orange.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Maui hau hebe every 5–7 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.

Maui hau hebe thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hibiscadelphus bombycinus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Maui hau hebe prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Maui hau hebe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Maui hau hebe 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Maui hau hebe 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.

Maui hau hebe can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

Prune Maui hau hebe 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.

Maui hau hebe 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.

Maui hau hebe can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to maui hau hebe plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Maui hau hebe is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Maui hau hebe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Maui hau hebe is native to the Kohala mountain on the island of Hawaiʻi, in the U. In cooler regions, grow Maui hau hebe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.