Hibiscus Species, Hawaiian White Hibiscus, White Kauai Rosemallow

I have not grown this plant; however, I have seen it growing in Maui. White Kauai rosemallow is also known as Koki‘o kea. It is endem...Read Moreically native to Kauai, this hibiscus is commonly found in Waimea Canyon, and in the moist forests of the western and northern coasts. The white pinwheel-shaped flowers have a sweet fragrance. Light green to magenta. the staminal column has magenta filaments. The leaves are ovate in shape. In cultivation, the flowers which are at the ends of branches, bloom almost continuously. As with other hibiscus, the flowers last only for only a day. Opening white in the morning, the blooms turn turn pink as they fade in the afternoon. Prefering filtered shade, it should be grown in moist, well drained soil. It can withstand full sun with care. It is capable of growing into a 24’- 30’ evergreen tree under suitable growing conditions.

Hibiscus waimea is native (possibly endemic?) to Kauai, where it is known as koki'o-ke'oke'o. The leaves are nearly round, with blunt-to...Read Moreothed margins, and the under surfaces are almost downy. Flowers last one day, are few and very simple: 5 white petals with stout pinkish-crimson stamens. My plants do not suffer from the widespread virus that deforms leaves on most hybridized Hibiscus. Koki'o-ke'oke'o is rarely seen in cultivation because it is not as "showy" as many other Hibiscus, but I give it a "positive" because of its native status.