Hibiscadelphus woodii Plant Care

Hibiscadelphus woodii Lorence & W.L.Wagner

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Hibiscadelphus woodii, or Wood's hau kuahiwi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae endemic to Kauai, Hawaii.

Water

Every 5–7 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Plant Hibiscadelphus woodii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 5–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Hibiscadelphus woodii Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Hibiscadelphus woodii (Hibiscadelphus woodii) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hibiscadelphus genus. Hibiscadelphus woodii is native to Kauai, Hawaii.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Water a young or newly planted Hibiscadelphus woodii 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 5–7 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Hibiscadelphus woodii Need?

Hibiscadelphus woodii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hibiscadelphus woodii Prefer?

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

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hibiscadelphus woodii?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Feed Hibiscadelphus woodii 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 Hibiscadelphus woodii?

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.

Hibiscadelphus woodii 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 Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Hibiscadelphus woodii 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.

How Do You Prune a Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Prune Hibiscadelphus woodii 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 Hibiscadelphus woodii in Winter?

Hibiscadelphus woodii 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 Hibiscadelphus woodii?

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

Is the Hibiscadelphus woodii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Hibiscadelphus woodii, 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 Hibiscadelphus woodii?

Hibiscadelphus woodii 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hibiscadelphus woodii Need?

Hibiscadelphus woodii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hibiscadelphus woodii is native to Kauai, Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Hibiscadelphus woodii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Hibiscadelphus woodii 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 Hibiscadelphus genus — compare its care with other Hibiscadelphus species on PlantoScan.

Hibiscadelphus is part of the Malvaceae plant family — browse all Malvaceae genera and species.

Hibiscadelphus woodii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Hibiscadelphus woodii Lorence & W.L.Wagner, family Malvaceae (first published in Novon 5: 183 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hibiscadelphus woodii, 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.

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