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Tropical hibiscus and Maʻo: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Maʻo Gossypium tomentosum
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Native range
Asia	Hawaiian native range: Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Dry soil
Mature height
4–10 ft	Under 2–6 ft
Mature spread
5–8 ft	5–7 ft
USDA hardiness zones
9–11	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Spring–fall	Late summer–winter
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.	Silver foliage and yellow flowers thrive with little water once this Hawaiian cotton is established.
Growing notes
An evergreen tropical shrub. In colder climates it needs a container and frost-free winter protection.	Choose nursery-propagated plants; allow soil to dry and keep away from frequent lawn sprinklers.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.