Red Hawaiian Hibiscus Plant Care

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hibiscus genus. Red Hawaiian Hibiscus is native to Hawaii. Red Hawaiian Hibiscus is also known as Kokiʻo.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Red Hawaiian Hibiscus produces large, showy flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Hawaiian Hibiscus every 4–7 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.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hibiscus kokio tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Red Hawaiian Hibiscus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red Hawaiian Hibiscus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Hawaiian Hibiscus every 4 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus 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.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus 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 Red Hawaiian Hibiscus 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.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus 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.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese hibiscus plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Hawaiian Hibiscus 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.

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