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Japanese spirea and Naupaka kuahiwi: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese spirea Spiraea japonica	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Naupaka kuahiwi Scaevola chamissoniana
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Japan and China	Hawaiian native range: Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Average moisture; well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
4–6 ft	2–10 ft
Mature spread
4–7 ft	About 6 ft
USDA hardiness zones
3–8	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Spring–summer	Summer & intermittent flowers
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers attract butterflies.	A native upland shrub adds white flowers and purple fruit to a moist garden.
Growing notes
A deciduous shrub with many smaller cultivars. Can spread by seed beyond garden beds.	Best for mid to high elevations on its native islands; needs more moisture than beach naupaka.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.