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Tropical hibiscus and ʻAkiohala: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE ʻAkiohala Hibiscus furcellatus
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Asia	Hawaiian native range: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Average moisture / Moist to wet
Mature height
4–10 ft	6–10+ ft
Mature spread
5–8 ft	6–8 ft
USDA hardiness zones
9–11	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Spring–fall	Year-round flowers
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.	Large pink native flowers bring color to moist ground and the edges of water features.
Growing notes
An evergreen tropical shrub. In colder climates it needs a container and frost-free winter protection.	Suited to moist or wet soil; allow room for a large shrub.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.