Norfolk Island Hibiscus Plant Care

Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Lagunaria genus. Norfolk Island Hibiscus is also known as Pyramid Tree, White Booyong.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus displays a medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Norfolk Island Hibiscus produces showy pink or white bell-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Norfolk Island Hibiscus every 7–14 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.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lagunaria patersonia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Norfolk Island Hibiscus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Norfolk Island Hibiscus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Norfolk Island Hibiscus 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 sandy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Norfolk Island 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.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus 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.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Norfolk Island Hibiscus is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Norfolk Island Hibiscus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Norfolk Island Hibiscus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.