Compare plants.

Fragrant hosta and ʻAlaʻala wai nui: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Fragrant hosta Hosta plantaginea	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE ʻAlaʻala wai nui Peperomia sandwicensis
	GO NATIVE
Native range
China	Hawaiian native range: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade; some sun in cooler climates	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Consistently moist, well-drained soil	Average moisture / Moist to wet
Mature height
1–2 ft; flower stalks can be taller	Under 1 ft
Mature spread
3–4 ft	10–12+ in
USDA hardiness zones
3–9	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Late summer–early fall	Year-round foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.	Compact Hawaiian foliage brings a native species into small, sheltered containers.
Growing notes
A broad clump of leaves that dies back in winter. More sun requires adequate moisture.	A slow-growing plant for moist conditions and partial sun; best suited to its Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Molokaʻi range.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.