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Tropical hibiscus and ʻŌhiʻa lehua: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE ʻŌhiʻa lehua Metrosideros polymorpha
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Native range
Asia	Hawaiian native range: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Dry soil / Average moisture
Mature height
4–10 ft	Under 2 to over 50 ft, by form
Mature spread
5–8 ft	10–20 ft, sometimes 40+ ft
USDA hardiness zones
9–11	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Spring–fall	Intermittent flowers
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.	Native ʻōhiʻa flowers supply nectar to Hawaiian birds where those birds occur.
Growing notes
An evergreen tropical shrub. In colder climates it needs a container and frost-free winter protection.	Choose locally propagated stock suited to your elevation and rainfall; avoid root-bound plants and provide excellent drainage.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.