Hawaiʻi hau hemo Plant Care

Hawaiʻi hau hemo (Hibiscadelphus distans) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hibiscadelphus genus. Hawaiʻi hau hemo is native to the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

Hawaiʻi hau hemo thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hibiscadelphus distans tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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 Hawaiʻi hau hemo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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 Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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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Hawaiʻi hau hemo 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.

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