Hawaiian Sesbania Plant Care

Hawaiian Sesbania (Sesbania tomentosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sesbania genus. Hawaiian Sesbania is native to the main Hawaiian Islands as well as Nīhoa and Necker Island. Hawaiian Sesbania is also known as Woolly Sesbania, Sesbania tomentosa.

Hawaiian Sesbania displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Hawaiian Sesbania produces showy clusters of red, pink, or white pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hawaiian Sesbania every 3–7 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.

Hawaiian Sesbania thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sesbania tomentosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Hawaiian Sesbania prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hawaiian Sesbania to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hawaiian Sesbania 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 rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hawaiian Sesbania is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Hawaiian Sesbania can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Hawaiian Sesbania 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.

Hawaiian Sesbania is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hawaiian Sesbania can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prickly sesbania plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Hawaiian Sesbania is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. 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.

Hawaiian Sesbania grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Hawaiian Sesbania is native to the main Hawaiian Islands as well as Nīhoa and Necker Island. In cooler regions, grow Hawaiian Sesbania as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.