52 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei agapanthus
other common names: African lily, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: blue lily, lily of the Nile introduced garden plant scientific name: Agapanthus afri- cultivars: ‘Albus’, ‘Flore Pleno’ canus family: Liliaceae (lily family) natural setting/location: native to South Africa
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil character- form: division (easiest and fastest; istics: well drained, use 6" clumps); seeds (seedlings moisture-retentive take longer to flower than plants soil pH: 5.0–6.5 from divisions) light: full sun to partial preplanting treatment: soak seeds in shade water for 24 hours water: moderate; planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in tolerates drought once medium; keep root crown just below established soil level for divisions temperature: tolerates germination time: slow and erratic temperatures down to 25°F, but prefers tem- peratures above 50°F elevation: 10–4500' salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 12–18" apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, special cultural hints: divide every 5–6 12" pots or larger (prefers crowded years conditions) Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 53 agapanthus
Plant characteristics
height: foliage 1½–2' tall; flower stalks 2–5' tall; dwarf cultivars are available spread: 2' growth rate: moderate growth habit: clumps of arching, ever- green leaves
flowers size: 1½–3" color: dark blue to pale blue to white shape: tubular fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes, if propagated from large divisions flowering period: summer Notes on lei making References and further Introduced Perennials time to flowering: 2–3 years from seed, reading best for which type of lei: less if from division neck, head, wrist, ankle Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: inducing and maintaining flowering: not Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual vase life: known to 7 days Publishing. cleaning of plant materials: place stems Joffe, Pitta. 1993. The Gardener’s Guide pests in water to South African Plants. Cape Town, South Africa: Tafelberg Publishers Ltd. storing raw lei materials: common diseases: none serious refrigerate at 40°F for up to 7 days Nowack, Joanna and Ryszard M. Rudnicki. other pests: slugs, snails 1990. Postharvest Handling and Storage preparing for use in lei: if sewing, cut of Cut Flowers, Florist Greens, and Potted flower with 1⁄8" of stem Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. Harvesting storing a completed lei before wearing: Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herba- considerations mist lei, shake off excess water, ceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. what is harvested: flowers, buds with place in sealed plastic container and 1–2" stem refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull display: cannot be preserved best time of day to harvest: early morning best way to transport from picking area: paper or cloth bag avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 54 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘akulikuli-lei—
other common names: ʻākulikuli, ice natural setting/location: native to plant, noon flower coasts of South Africa along the scientific name: Lampranthus glom- Sahara eratus (magenta), Lampranthus sp. current status in the wild in hawai‘i: family: Aizoaceae (fig-marigold not found family)
Growing your own
propagation form: cuttings from stems with spent flowers preplanting treatment: allow cut end to air-dry 1–2 days, treat with mild rooting hormone planting depth: insert base of cutting 1–1½" into medium cutting rooting time: 1 month
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 5.5–6.5 light: full sun management and cold nights (Kula, Waimea cli- mates are ideal); do not overwater water: sparingly; tolerates drought fertilizer needs: medium; apply after flowering and in late summer temperature: 40–70°F recommended spacing: 18–24" apart Plant characteristics elevation: common magenta form 300–3200', orange form 3000–4000' adaptation to growing in containers: not height: to 18" recommended salt tolerance: good spread: to 36" pruning: not necessary wind resistance: good growth rate: moderate special cultural hints: likes hot days growth habit: low groundcover Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 55 ‘akulikuli-lei—
flowers size: 1½–2½" color: magenta, white, orange to brownish orange shape: daisy-like fragrance: very light flowers in first year: yes flowering period: depends on trans- planting time time to flowering: cuttings flower in less than 9 months inducing and maintaining flowering: if attempting to produce flowers for graduation time (May–June), transplant or make cuttings for planting in August through October The lei shown also contains cymbidium orchid and anthurium. (depending on elevation); flowers will emerge starting in early May;
natural flowering will be later by 1 Introduced Perennials month avoid contact with these products: storing a completed lei before wearing: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, place lei in paper box and refriger- pests and wilting flowers. ate; no water preserving a lei for long-term storage or common diseases: nematodes, root rot, display: cannot be preserved southern blight Notes on lei making other pests: scales best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse References and further reading Harvesting cleaning of plant materials: no water considerations storing raw lei materials: store in paper Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: box and refrigerate at 40°F for up to Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual what is harvested: flower buds with Publishing. 1–2" stem 10 days Joffe, Pitta. 1993. The Gardener’s Guide preparing for use in lei: clip stems at harvesting techniques: cut or break by to South African Plants. Cape Town, South poepoe hand different sizes, then sew; for Africa: Tafelberg Publishers Ltd. (circular) style, sew closed flow- best time of day to harvest: early morn- ers—open flowers not usually used; Mathias, Mildred E. 1973. Color for the ing before flowers open no water Landscape: Flowering Plants for Subtrop- ical Climates. Los Angeles: Los Angeles best way to transport from picking area: Beautiful, Inc. metal can 56 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei asparagus fern
other common names: asparagus cultivars: A. densiflorus var. sprengeri is light yellow-green, scientific name: Asparagus setaceus coarse, and has recurving spines; var. plumosus; Asparagus densi- A. densiflorusvar. myersii has florus var. sprengeri, myersii elongated, foxtail-like shoots; family: Liliaceae (lily family) A. setaceous var. plumosus has dark green, finely divided branch- natural setting/location: southern es and looks fern-like and eastern Africa current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found
Growing your own
handling cautions: some have thorns
propagation form: seeds; division preplanting treatment: remove seeds from fleshy pulp, plant fresh, germi- nate at 85/70°F (day/night) planting depth: sow seeds on surface of medium or slightly below (¼"); keep division root crown just below soil level germination time: 60–90 days
preferred production conditions salt tolerance: avoid direct salt spray; pruning: harvest recently matured general soil characteristics: well tolerates slightly brackish water shoots twice a week; old shoots lose drained, light, sandy; in pots, 1:1 their leaves quickly after harvest, wind resistance: tolerant, but S. seta- peat:perlite and young shoots wilt; experience ceus varieties develop brown leaf will determine the best stage to cut; soil pH: 6.0–7.0 tips when dehydrated by wind allow at least 6–8 developing shoots light: full sun to partial shade (best per plant to remain quality with up to 50% shade) management special cultural hints: may become water: high quality best, though fertilizer needs: medium weedy if left unchecked tolerant of slightly brackish water. recommended spacing: A. densiflorus: 3' suggested companion plantings: could be Irrigate deeply about once a week— apart; A. setaceus: 1–2' apart used as an underplanting or border more frequently in light soils during plant in landscape; sprengeri and dry weather. adaptation to growing in containers: yes, pots or planter boxes, container size myersii varieties are useful accent temperature: 70–80°F (day), 60–70°F 8" or larger and 8–12" deep; plants plants in the landscape (night) can split plastic and cement contain- elevation: 10–1000' ers as they grow Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 57 asparagus fern
Plant characteristics height: A. setaceus to 8–10', A. densi- florus to 36” spread: A. setaceus to 6–8', A. densiflorus to 5–6' growth rate: fast growth habit: erect, climbing, or trail- ing woody herb foliage texture: fine color: green shape: needle-like fragrance: none pests The lei shown also contains pakalana, globe amaranth, plumeria, bougainvillea, and Spanish moss. common diseases: leaf spot and root rot Introduced Perennials other pests: mites, scales, thrips preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- cific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). kled, limp, or poor-quality areas The HPWRA predicts whether any before adding to lei; stem length given plant is at low or high risk of be- Harvesting should be 3–4" coming invasive in Hawai‘i or similar considerations storing a completed lei before wearing: Pacific islands and is about 95% accu- what is harvested: mature stems soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp rate. Any score above 6 indicates the newspaper, place in sealed plastic potential for invasiveness, though there harvesting techniques: break or cut; bag or container, and refrigerate are varying levels of concern. The HP- leave 6–8 shoots per plant WRA score does not necessarily mean preserving a lei for long-term storage or best time of day to harvest: you should remove established plants display: cannot be preserved early morning from urban landscapes or avoid planting them at all, but A. setaceus and A. densi- best way to transport from picking area: florus should not be introduced to areas paper or cloth bag References and further reading where they are not already growing. A. densiflorus has already naturalized in Notes on lei making Bredmose, N. 1976. “Blueprint Cropping some places on Kaua‘i, Maui, and Ha- of Asparagus Fern.” Scientia Horticulturae wai‘i Island. Birds can spread the seeds best for which type of lei: neck, head, 4:201–210. of both species. If used in lei, seeds wrist, ankle, horse Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. should be removed first if possible. If vase life: 16 days, depending on 1977. The Hawai‘i Garden: Tropical Exotics. fertile material is used, lei should not cultivar Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. be discarded in areas where A. setaceus and A. densiflorus are not naturalized cleaning of plant materials: cold water and where the seeds can germinate and soak ALERT: Asparagus setaceus and A. grow. Use of native plants or non-na- storing raw lei materials: place stems in densiflorus could be invasive species tive, non-invasive species in lei will water immediately after harvesting, and cause problems in agricultural and minimize the spread of weeds. See the refrigerate at 45°F for up to 10 days natural areas in Hawai‘i. A. setaceus Plant Pono website for more informa- scores a rating of 13 and A. densiflorus tion about potentially invasive species: scores a rating of 15 on the Hawai‘i–Pa- http://www.plantpono.org. 58 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei aster
other common names: koniaka, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Michaelmas daisy, New York aster not found (Aster novi-belgii) cultivars: A. novi-belgii: ‘Alert’, scientific name: Aster novi-belgii ‘Bonningale White’, ‘Crimson and A. ericoides Brocade’, ‘Eventide’; A. ericoides: ‘Monte Casino’, family: Asteraceae (formerly Com- ‘Pink Casino’ positae) (aster family) natural setting/location: North America
Growing your own management fertilizer needs: medium; propagation do not fertilize once flowers begin to open form: division or cuttings (most growers purchase rooted cuttings recommended spacing: from plant propagators) 12–18" planting depth: insert base of cutting adaptation to growing in 1–2" into medium, use mild rooting containers: yes, hormone; keep division root crown 1- to 2-gallon pots just below soil level pruning: remove dead and old flowers to pro- preferred production mote development of conditions new ones general soil characteristics: adapted to special cultural hints: most soils plants spread through soil pH: 5.5–7.0 underground rhizomes; often self-sown; does light: full sun to light shade not reproduce true from water: moist seed temperature: 68–70°F Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 59 aster
Plant characteristics
height: 1–3' spread: 12" growth rate: fast growth habit: short shrub
flowers size: 12" color: red, pink, purple, white, and mixtures shape: round, daisy-like fragrance: none time to flowering: 16–18 weeks inducing and maintaining flowering: requires short days (less than 12 The lei shown also contains bleeding heart, bougainvillea, and globe amaranth. hours) for consistent and abundant flowering Introduced Perennials Notes on lei making References and further pests reading best for which type of lei: common diseases: Botrytis, leaf spots, neck, head, powdery and downy mildew, Rhi- wrist, ankle, horse Faber, Willie, and Jeff McGrew. 1998. The Ball RedBook. 16th ed., p. 372–385. Batavia, zoctonia foliage blight vase life: 5–7 days Illinois: Ball Publishing. other pests: aphids, mites, thrips, and cleaning of plant materials: cold water Hessayon, D.G. 1995. The Flower Expert. whiteflies soak for 2 minutes to get dust off; London: Transworld Publishers. foliage wilts quickly so should be Nau, Jim. 1993. Ball Culture Guide: The removed Harvesting Encyclopedia of Seed Germination. 2nd ed. considerations storing raw lei materials: store in plas- Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. tic container with water and refriger- Sascalis, John N. 1993. Cut Flowers, Pro- what is harvested: flowers and buds ate at 35–40°F for up to 7 days longing Freshness. Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. harvesting techniques: cut preparing for use in lei: clip the wrin- best time of day to harvest: kled, limp, or poor-quality areas early morning before adding to lei storing a completed lei before wearing: best way to transport from picking area: cooler or plastic container with sprinkle with water, drip dry, wrap water in newspaper, and place in plastic container avoid contact with these products: preserving a lei for long-term storage or smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, display: and wilting flowers cannot be preserved 60 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei baby’s breath
scientific name: Gypsophila panic- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: ulata not found family: Caryophyllaceae (pink cultivars: ‘Bristol Fairy’, ‘Double family) Snowflake’, ‘Pink Fairy’, ‘Red Sea’, ‘Klamingo’ natural setting/location: native to central Asia, central and eastern Europe
Growing your own
propagation form: cuttings; seeds of named cul- tivars preplanting treatment: none planting depth: sow seeds on surface or slightly below (1⁄8"); use medium rooting hormone on cutting and insert base 1–2" into medium germination time: 5–10 days cutting rooting time: 10–14 days during summer
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well special cultural hints drained; in fields, loam to sandy management : most cultivars soils; in pots, 1:1 peat:perlite propagated vegetatively due to vari- fertilizer needs: medium; amend field soil pH: 7.0 ability of seedlings; seed is used for soils with Ca and Mg if analysis is only a few cultivars; better produc- light: full sun, long daylength low tion in 2nd year; don’t overwater water: keep moist recommended spacing: 18–24" apart suggested companion plantings: statice or temperature: requires 55°F nights fol- adaptation to growing in containers: yes, sweet william (Dianthus barbadus) lowed by long days (14–16 hours); 3-gallon tubs, but planting in the preferred daytime temperature range ground is better is 60–70°F pruning: remove old flower stalks elevation: 500–3500' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 61 baby’s breath
Plant characteristics height: 2–4' spread: 36" growth rate: slow to moderate growth habit: short, mound-like flowers size: ¼–3⁄8" color: white, pink shape: round, flat fragrance: none flowers in first year: requires cool temperatures before flowering flowering period: natural flowering The lei shown also contains bougainvillea, Geraldton waxflower, chysanthemum, bleeding occurs in late spring to late summer; heart, globe amaranth, and joyweed. lights are needed for winter produc- tion; can be treated as perennial or annual Introduced Perennials best time of day to harvest: storing a completed lei before wearing: time to flowering: once flowering has early morning mist lei, shake off excess water, started, wait about another 10 weeks place on damp paper towel, place in best way to transport from picking area: to harvest sealed plastic container, and refrig- paper box inducing and maintaining flowering: erate avoid contact with these products: lighting may be necessary during preserving a lei for long-term storage or smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, summer months in Hawai‘i and is display: air-dry necessary during winter months and wilting flowers for good flower production, as it requires 14–16 hours of light References and further Notes on lei making reading best for which type of lei: pests neck, head, Anonymous. 1995. Gypsophila: Cultivation wrist, ankle, horse common diseases: damping off, root rot, Practices in Israel. Beit Dagan, Israel: Dan- nematodes, crown gall, Botrytis (on vase life: 57 days ziger ‘Dan’ Flower Farm. flowers) cleaning of plant materials: none; do Armitage, A.M. 1993. Specialty Cut Flow- ers. Portland, Oregon: Varsity Press and other pests: not wet flower heads spider mites, thrips Timber Press. storing raw lei materials: place stems in Nowack, Joanna and Ryszard M. Rudnicki. Harvesting water and refrigerate at 40°F for up 1990. Postharvest Handling and Storage considerations to 7 days of Cut Flowers, Florist Greens, and Potted preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. what is harvested: flowering branches kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Sascalis, John N. 1993. Cut Flowers, Pro- harvesting techniques: for fresh flow- before adding to lei; boil water and longing Freshness. Batavia, Illinois: Ball ers, cut 1–2" stems when 60–70% place cut stems in hot water to force Publishing. of flowers are open; for drying, cut flowering if not all have bloomed when 80–90% are open 62 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei bleeding heart
other common names: clerodendrum, natural setting/location: native to glorybower, hō‘ehapu‘uwai tropical West Africa scientific name: Clerodendrum current status in the wild in hawai‘i: thomsoniae and Clerodendrum x not found speciosum family: Verbenaceae (verbena family)
Growing your own
propagation form: soft wood or semi-ripe cuttings under mist; commercially propa- gated from single-node cuttings; also grown from root cuttings and rooted suckers pretreatment: treat cutting with me- dium rooting hormone planting depth: insert base of cutting 1–1½" into medium cutting rooting time: 6–8 weeks
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: rich, well drained salt tolerance: moderate pruning: prune after flowering; can be soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (avoid high-pH soils) maintained as a shrub or high ground wind resistance: moderate light: full sun for best bloom cover 24–36" high (6–7 nodes above the roots); pruning shorter than this water: keep moist; over-watering can management will delay flowering cause leaf drop fertilizer needs: medium special cultural hints: provide support temperature: tolerates temperatures recommended spacing: if vining is desired down to 35°F, but temperatures 36" apart below 60°F inhibit growth adaptation to growing in containers: yes, elevation: 10–2000' will flower in 6" pot, but larger con- tainers are easier to maintain Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 63 bleeding heart
Plant characteristics
height: 10–15' spread: 36" growth rate: fast growth habit: evergreen, twining shrub
flowers size: calyx (leafy base of flower) ½–¾" color: C. thomsoniae calyx is white with red corolla; C. x speciosum ca- lyx is pink, corolla deep rose to red shape: flowers consist of bell-shaped calyx and narrow tubular corolla; the calyx stands out and is used in lei The lei shown also contains shinobu. fragrance: none flowers in first year : yes Introduced Perennials preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- flowering period: year-round under Harvesting considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas high-light conditions, heaviest in before adding to lei; true flowers are winter through spring what is harvested: flower calyx (leafy most often removed, as well as the time to flowering: 3–5 months; ter- base) leaves minal cuttings flower soonest, and harvesting techniques: plant has long in- storing a completed lei before wearing: seed-propagated plants take at least ternodes; cut close to nodes to avoid soak lei in water for 5 minutes, drip 1 month longer than cuttings to leaving long pieces of dying stem dry, place in sealed container, and flower refrigerate best time of day to harvest: inducing and maintaining flowering: both early morning preserving a lei for long-term storage or types are short-day plants; nights display: cannot be preserved longer than 10 hours promote best way to transport from picking area: flowering; high light intensity also paper or cloth bag promotes flowering and can mini- avoid contact with these products: References and further mize the need for long nights smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, reading and wilting flowers Sanderson, K.C., and W.C. Martin Jr. 1975. pests “Cultural Concepts for Growing Cleroden- common diseases: none serious drum thomsoniae Balf. as a Pot Plant.” Pro- Notes on lei making ceedings of the Florida State Horticultural other pests: none serious Society best for which type of lei: neck, head, 88: 439–441. wrist, ankle, horse Shillo, Ruth, and Ronnie Engel. 1985. “Clerodendrum speciosum.” In: CRC Hand- vase life: 2 days book of Flowering. vol. II, ed. A.H. Halevy, cleaning of plant materials: cold water p. 302–307. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. soak Stromme, E., and H. Hildrum. 1985. “Clero- dendrum thomsoniae.” In: CRC Handbook storing raw lei materials: store in sealed of Flowering. vol. II, ed. A.H. Halevy, p. container and refrigerate at 40°F for 299–301. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. up to 14 days 64 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei blue jade vine
other common names: green jade vine, natural setting/location: Philippines jade vine current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Strongylodon macro- not found botrys family: Fabaceae (pea family)
Growing your own preferred production handling cautions: may stain some conditions fabrics general soil characteris- tics: rich, moist, well propagation drained form: air layering; semi-woody cut- soil pH: 6.0–7.0 tings 9" long; fresh seeds light: full sun to partial preplanting treatment: use fresh seeds, shade plant immediately upon opening of capsule, scarify seeds by scratching water: moderate seedcoat or put in water that has temperature: 60–90°F been brought to a boil and removed from heat and soak for about 24 elevation: 10–800' hours; use strong rooting hormone salt tolerance: poor on cuttings wind resistance: moderate planting depth: sow seeds ½–1” deep in medium; insert cutting ½ its length into medium management fertilizer needs: germination time: 10–14 days at medium; 80–85°F apply after flowering and in spring air layering rooting time: 4–8 months recommended spacing: 8' apart adaptation to growing in containers: not recommended special cultural hints: provide strong arbor, trellis, or other support; stem pruning: prune to manage spread of is too weak to support itself in an plant upright position Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 65 blue jade vine
Plant characteristics
height: twining vine to 40' spread: 20–30' growth rate: fast growth habit: perennial, evergreen, woody, flowering vine
flowers size: 2½–3" clusters to 36" long color: aquamarine to jade green shape: beak-like fragrance: none flowers in first year: no flowering period: late summer, fall time to flowering: air layering quicker The lei shown also contains tuberose. than seed-propagated plants, with first flowering in 3 years Introduced Perennials inducing and maintaining flowering: re- Notes on lei making References and further move old flowers and seed pods reading best for which type of lei: neck, head Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: pests vase life: 4 days Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual common diseases: root rot, leaf spot, cleaning of plant materials: spray with Publishing. root-knot nematodes water Riffle, Robert L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape other pests: storing raw lei materials: place in a black stink bugs, mealy- Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. bugs, scales sealed plastic container and refriger- ate at 40°F for up to 4 days Teho, Fortunato G. 1971. Plants of Hawaii: How to Grow Them. Hilo, Hawaiʻi: Petro- preparing for use in lei: Harvesting clip off wrin- glyph Press. considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei Warren, William. 1997. Tropical Plants for Home and Garden. London: Thames and what is harvested: flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: Hudson. harvesting techniques: snap mist lei, place in sealed plastic con- tainer, and refrigerate best time of day to harvest: early morning preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved best way to transport from picking area: paper or cloth bag avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 66 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei bougainvillea
other common names: kepalō, pu- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: kanawila not naturalized but often found in public areas scientific name: Bougainvillea cul- tivars cultivars: many, including “double- bract” forms that are particularly family: Nyctaginaceae (four-o’clock useful in lei making family) natural setting/location: native to Brazil
Growing your own preferred production handling cautions: most cultivars have conditions thorny stems general soil characteris- tics: well-drained soil propagation is best; tolerates many form: cuttings (semi-soft wood, 1⁄8" soil types thick) soil pH: 5.5–6.0 preplanting treatment: treat cuttings light: full sun with strong rooting hormone water: keep relatively planting depth: insert cutting 1–2" into dry after plant is estab- medium lished cutting rooting time: semi-soft cuttings temperature: 50–90°F root in 4 weeks, woody cuttings root in 4–8 weeks, depending on variety elevation: 10–2500' and rooting treatment salt tolerance: good wind resistance: good
management fertilizer needs: light recommended spacing: 5' apart or more adaptation to growing in containers: yes, special cultural hints: provide trellis 3-gallon tubs or larger or other support; variety of growth habits possible pruning: prune back vigorous, vin- ing growth and allow shorter side branches to develop Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 67 bougainvillea
Plant characteristics
height: to 20' spread: to 20' growth rate: fast growth habit: vine, sprawling shrub
flowers size: bracts: ½–2" color: magenta, rose, pink, red, or- ange, gold, white, bicolor shape: bracts are triangular to almost round fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains mock orange leaves. flowering period: heaviest from Sep- tember through April time to flowering: preparing for use in lei: rooted cuttings flow- Harvesting clip off the Introduced Perennials er in 7–10 weeks considerations wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei inducing and maintaining flowering: what is harvested: clusters of bracts flowers occur on new growth; short storing a completed lei before wearing: with or without flowers daylengths enhance flowering; keep mist lei, shake off excess water, N and water on the low side; plants harvesting techniques: clip wrap in damp newspaper in plastic in heavy shade or pruned too fre- container or paper box, and refriger- best time of day to harvest: quently will not flower ate early morning preserving a lei for long-term storage or best way to transport from picking area: pests display: air-dry paper or cloth bag common diseases: Phytopthora foliar avoid contact with these products: blight, leaf spots, Pythium root rot, reniform nematodes smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, References and further and wilting flowers reading other pests: aphids, caterpillars, grass- hoppers, mites, soft scales, whiteflies Criley, Richard A. 1997. “Bougainvillea.” In: Notes on lei making Tips on Growing Specialty Potted Crops. eds. M.L. Gaston, S.A. Carver, and C.A. Irwin. best for which type of lei: neck, head, Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Florists’ Assoc. wrist, ankle, horse Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: vase life: 7 days Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Iredell, Jan. 1990. The Bougainvillea Grow- soak ers Handbook. Brookvale, Australia: Simon storing raw lei materials: wrap in damp & Schuster Australia. newspaper in plastic container or Watson, Donald P., and Richard A. Criley. paper box and refrigerate at 40°F for 1973. Bougainvilleas. University of Hawai‘i, up to 14 days Cooperative Extension Service, Circular 469. 68 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei carnation
other common names: pink, ponimō‘ī current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: not found Dianthus caryophyllus cultivars: many; some pot types family: available from seed Caryophyllaceae (pink family) natural setting/location: native to the Mediterranean
Growing your own
propagation form: tip cuttings (most growers purchase rooted cuttings); seeds (purchase from seed source) pretreatment: treat cutting with mild rooting hormone; chill seeds for 1–2 weeks at 30–35°F before sowing planting depth: sow seeds on surface with a light covering; insert base of cutting 1" into medium germination time: 1–2 weeks cutting rooting time: 2–4 weeks
preferred production conditions special cultural hints: general soil characteristics: rich, well- management good planting drained, loamy soil time is at the end of summer; flower- fertilizer needs: medium ing will first occur in mid-December soil pH: 5.5–6.5 and then continuously; calyx (green, recommended spacing: 4–8" apart light: full sun to partial shade leafy base) splitting is a major adaptation to growing in containers: yes, problem, particularly for single-stem water: keep moist 6" pots or larger flower types; nonsplitting types are available; requires soil free of dis- temperature: 80°F days, 50–60°F pruning: many different techniques ease and nematodes where carnation nights used; pinching or pruning is a strat- hasn’t been grown before; container egy used to time flowering around elevation: 10–3000' culture will avoid soil-borne prob- periods of high demand; spray types lems; mostly grown under cover salt tolerance: poor for lei production are usually not wind resistance: poor pruned Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 69 carnation
Plant characteristics
height: 36" spread: 1' growth rate: relatively fast growth habit: sprawling herb
flowers size: large-flowered types 2½–4" in diameter, smaller-flowered (spray types) 1½–3" in diameter, minia- ture-flowered 1½–2" in diameter color: red, white, pink, yellow, or- ange, white, purple Harvesting preparing for use in lei: for single lei, shape: round considerations cut flower close to the clayx (green, fragrance: varies from nonfragrant to leafy base), leaving little or no stem; what is harvested: spicy open flowers plus for double lei, remove calyx of each 1–2" of stem blossom or split open flowers in first year: yes harvesting techniques: cut storing a completed lei before wearing: flowering period: year-round; more Introduced Perennials best time of day to harvest: soak lei, shake off excess water, flowers in summer early morn- ing while flowers are turgid place on dry newspaper in paper time to flowering: plants flower 3–4 box, and refrigerate best way to transport from picking area: months after transplanting; peak preserving a lei for long-term storage or brown paper box or bag production in 6 months display: cannot be preserved avoid contact with these products: inducing and maintaining flowering: remove first flower; remove spent smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers References and further flowers, and harvest flowers regu- reading larly Notes on lei making Boodley, James W. 1998. The Commercial pests Greenhouse. 2nd ed. Albany, New York: Demar Publishing. best for which type of lei: neck, head, common diseases: rootknot nematodes, wrist, ankle, horse Gardenier, Phil, and Van Staaveren. 1998. Botrytis on flowers; fungal problems “Dianthus (Carnation).” In: Ball Red Book. including Fusarium rust, stem rot vase life: 6–9 days 16th ed., p. 473–477. Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. (Rhizoctonia), Alternaria blight, cleaning of plant materials: no water leaf spot, or branch rot; at least four Holley, Winfred D., and Ralph Baker. 1963. viruses are found in carnation; bac- storing raw lei materials: refrigerate at Carnation Production, Including the History, terial diseases include bacterial and 40–48°F for up to 14 days; don’t wet Breeding, Culture and Marketing of Carna- Fusarium wilt, both of which can flowers; store in covered box, lay tions. Dubuque, Iowa: Brown. persist in the soil for several years flowers on dry newspaper (to absorb Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Making: moisture) over polyethylene liner, Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual other pests: caterpillars, Hawaiian put layers of newspaper between Publishing. flower thrips (infest flowers), spider layers of flowers, and don’t allow Nau, Jim. 1993. Ball Culture Guide: The mites flowers to contact the plastic; boxes Encyclopaedia of Seed Germination. 2nd ed. should have vents to prevent eth- Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. ylene build-up and should be spaced Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. away from each other to allow for Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- circulation around box tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. Trujillo, Eduardo E. 1989. Diseases and Pests of Carnation. University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, Research Extension Series 107. 70 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei cigar flower
other common names: pua kïkā current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Cuphea ignea not found cultivars: family: Lythraceae (loosestrife other species and culti- family) vars available. natural setting/location: native to Mexico
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteris- form: cuttings or seeds (purchase tics: silty loam, or soil from seed source) with a high organic matter content preplanting treatment: treat cuttings with mild rooting hormone. soil pH: 6.0–6.5 1 planting depth: sow seed ⁄8" deep in light: full sun medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" water: drought tolerant into medium temperature: 60–95°F germination time: 2 weeks at 70°F; temperature-sensitive elevation: 10–2000' cutting rooting time: 3–4 weeks salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 1' apart within rows, 4–6' between rows adaptation to growing in containers: special cultural hints: plant in a yes, 3-gallon tubs well-drained area to avoid root rot problems pruning: prune to reduce size, main- tain shape, and keep full and bushy suggested companion plantings: mixed border or mixed bedding planting Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 71 cigar flower
Plant characteristics height: 1–3' spread: 2–5' growth rate: moderate growth habit: low, dense, evergreen shrub flowers size: 1" long color: orange, red (other types avail- able in purple and pink) shape: tubular fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round time to flowering: seedlings flower
about 3½ months after germination; Introduced Perennials cuttings produce flowers 6–8 weeks Harvesting preparing for use in lei: clip off stem after rooting considerations then sew; for other styles of lei, re- move leaves from stem before using inducing and maintaining flowering: what is harvested: flowers with ½" of storing a completed lei before wearing: avoid drastic pruning and excessive stem N fertilizer soak lei, shake off excess water, harvesting techniques: pluck flowers place in sealed container, and refrig- erate; lei may be revived by soaking pests best time of day to harvest: early morning or evening in water and placing in plastic bag in common diseases: fungal root rots, refrigerator for 3 hours best way to transport from picking area: foliar blights preserving a lei for long-term storage or paper bag other pests: aphids, beetles, grasshop- display: air-dry pers, sunflower spittle bug avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers References and further reading
Notes on lei making Holttum, R.E., and Ivan Enoch. 1991. Gar- dening in the Tropics. Portland, Oregon: best for which type of lei: neck, head, Timber Press. wrist, ankle Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual cleaning of plant materials: cold water Publishing. soak Moggi, Guido, and Luciano Giugnolini. storing raw lei materials: place in 1983. Simon and Schuster’s Guide to Garden sealed container and refrigerate at Flowers. New York: Simon and Schuster. 40°F for up to 7 days Scott, Susan, and Craig Thomas. 2000. Poisonous Plants of Paradise: First Aid and Medical Treatment for Injuries from Hawai‘i’s Plants. University of Hawai‘i Press. 72 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei crown flower
other common names: giant milkweed, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: pua kalaunu typically not found scientific name: Calotropis gigantea cultivars: small-flowered type available (Calotropis procera) family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed family) natural setting/location: native to India and the East Indies
Growing your own
handling cautions: all plant parts are poisonous; milky sap in eyes may cause blindness, on skin may cause considerable irritation
propagation form: seeds; cuttings preplanting treatment: soak seeds in water for 4–6 hours; use medium rooting hormone on cuttings planting depth: sow seeds ¼" in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 1–2 weeks cutting rooting time: 6–8 weeks
management Plant characteristics preferred production fertilizer needs conditions : light height: to 12' recommended spacing: spread: general soil characteristics: well 8–12' apart 15' drained adaptation to growing in containers: yes, growth rate: fast 2- to 5-gallon tubs soil pH: 6.0–6.5 growth habit: erect, evergreen, pruning: light: full sun pruning to keep within pick- rounded shrub ing height will temporarily reduce water: requires irrigation during dry flower production; thinning out flowers periods old branches induces vigorous new size: 1" diameter temperature: >70°F growth special cultural hints: color: pale lavender, pink, or white elevation: 10–1000' grow in dry and hot areas; keep low for harvesting shape: five curled-back petals and a salt tolerance: moderate suggested companion plantings: low prominent crown wind resistance: moderate annuals fragrance: faint Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 73 crown flower
flowers in first year: yes, from cuttings flowering period: year-round time to flowering: maturity after 3–4 years (from seed) inducing and maintaining flowering: not known
pests common diseases: none other pests: caterpillars (monarch butterfly)
Harvesting considerations
what is harvested: flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: ALERT: Calotropis gigantea can be harvesting techniques: break off; gloves mist lei, shake off excess water, an invasive species and cause problems and eye protection advised to avoid place on dry paper towel in sealed in agricultural and natural areas in
contact with sap while harvesting plastic container, and refrigerate Hawai‘i, especially in pastures. It scores Introduced Perennials a rating of 15 on the Hawai‘i–Pacific best time of day to harvest: preserving a lei for long-term storage or early morning display: air-dry Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). The HPWRA predicts whether any given best way to transport from picking area: plant is at low or high risk of becoming paper or cloth bag References and further invasive in Hawai‘i or similar Pacific avoid contact with these products: smoke, reading islands, and is about 95% accurate. Any car exhaust, ripening fruits, and score above 6 indicates the potential for Bird, Adren J., and Josephine P.K. Bird. invasiveness, though there are varying wilting flowers 1987. Hawaiian Flower Lei Making. Hono- levels of concern. The HPWRA score lulu: Unversity of Hawai‘i Press. does not necessarily mean you should Notes on lei making Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. remove established plants from urban 1977. The Hawai’i Garden: Tropical Exot- landscapes or avoid planting them at all, best for which type of lei: neck, head, ics. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. but C. gigantea should not be introduced wrist, ankle, horse Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- to areas where it is not already growing. vase life: 3 days for purple flowers, 2 ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual C. gigantea has already naturalized in Publishing. days for white flowers some places on Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, and Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape cleaning of plant materials: Maui. Wind and birds can spread the cold water Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: soak for 5 minutes seeds and the plant can reproduce by Floriculture. suckers. If used in lei, seeds should storing raw lei materials: store Riffle, Robert L. 1998. The Tropical Look: be removed first if possible. If fertile purple flowers for up to 5 days in An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape material is used, lei should not be refrigerator at 40°F; white flowers for Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. discarded in areas where C. gigantea is up to 4 days Warren, William. 1997. Tropical Plants for not naturalized and where the seeds can preparing for use in lei: for crown Home and Garden. London: Thames and germinate and grow. Use of native plants lei, separate blossoms and buds; Hudson. or non-native, non-invasive species in for bud lei, use buds of same size; lei will minimize the spread of weeds. for whole crown lei, use all of the See the Plant Pono website for more newly opened and fully developed information about potentially invasive blossoms; for crown flower petal lei, species: http://www.plantpono.org. use petals in best condition 74 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei cup-and-saucer plant
other common names: Chinaman’s natural setting/location: foothills of hat, parasol flower Indian Himalayas (H. sanguinea); southeast Africa (H. tettensis) scientific name: Holmskioldia san- guinea, H. sanguinea f. citrina, H. current status in the wild in hawai‘i: tettensis not found family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Growing your own management fertilizer needs: medium propagation recommended spacing: form: woody cuttings 4–6' apart preplanting treatment: treat cuttings adaptation to growing in with medium rooting hormone containers: yes, 2-gallon planting depth: insert base of cutting tubs or larger 1–1½" into medium pruning: vigorous cutting rooting time: 6–8 weeks pruning recommended to manage shape and induce new growth and preferred production flowering; H. tettensis conditions best pruned to tall, general soil characteristics: linear form during well-drained loam the winter after main flowering period soil pH: 6.0–6.5 light: full sun water: keep dry temperature: 55–90°F elevation: 10–3200' salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 75 cup-and-saucer plant
Plant characteristics height: H. sanguinea to 10', H. tettensis to 15' spread: H. sanguinea to 6', H. tettensis up to 4' growth rate: H. sanguinea fast, H. tettensis moderate growth habit: H. sanguinea, rounded shrub; H. tettensis, upright shrub flowers size: ¾–1" color: orange to red (H. sanguinea), yellow-green (H. sanguinea f. ci- trina), purplish (H. tettensis) shape: round, funnel-shaped fragrance: none The lei shown also contains baby’s breath, globe amaranth, dusty miller, feverfew, and flowers in first year: galphimia. yes Introduced Perennials flowering period: year-round, heaviest in winter and spring storing raw lei materials: Harvesting place on time to flowering: 6–8 months, but 2–3 considerations damp newspaper in paper or plastic years for full maturity container and refrigerate at 40°F for what is harvested: flowers with 1–2" up to 10 days inducing and maintaining flowering: of stem preparing for use in lei: flowers on new wood, so pruning is clip off wrin- essential to stimulate new growth harvesting techniques: pinch kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei best time of day to harvest: pests early morning storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, drip dry, place in paper or common diseases: best way to transport from picking area: Pythium root rot, plastic container, and refrigerate nematodes paper or cloth bag preserving a lei for long-term storage or other pests: avoid contact with these products: ants, mealybugs, scales, display: air-dry thrips smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers References and further reading Notes on lei making Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. best for which type of lei: neck, head, 1977. The Hawai‘i Garden: Tropical Shrubs. wrist, ankle, horse Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. vase life: 3–5 days Holttum, Richard E., and Ivan Enoch. 1991. Gardening in the Tropics. Singapore: Times cleaning of plant materials: cold water Editions. soak for 5 minutes 76 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei dracaena tricolor
other common names: money tree natural setting/location: D. marginata is from tropical West scientific name: Dracaena marginata Africa; var. tricolor is only found var. tricolor in cultivation family: Agavaceae (agave family) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found
Growing your own management fertilizer needs: heavy propagation recommended spacing: form: cuttings (minimum 6" long) 2–4' apart preplanting treatment: treat with adaptation to growing in medium rooting hormone containers: yes, 1- to 5-gallon tubs planting depth: insert base of cutting 3–4" into medium pruning: prune tips back to induce new, thin shoots cutting rooting time: 1–3 months with smaller leaves and to control size preferred production conditions suggested companion plantings: low-growing general soil characteristics: well plants drained; tolerant of various soil types soil pH: 5.5–6.5 light: full sun to partial shade water: moderate temperature: 65–90°F elevation: 10–2000' salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 77 dracaena tricolor
Plant characteristics height: to 15' spread: 3–5' growth rate: fast growth habit: erect, angular, woody, evergreen foliage texture: leathery, pliable color: from emerald to gray-green, sometimes variegated shape: lance-shaped fragrance: none pests common diseases: Fusarium and other The lei shown also contains dusty miller. leaf-spot fungi, root rot, bacterial soft rot, nematodes (root-knot, reni- Introduced Perennials form, spiral) Notes on lei making References and further other pests: caterpillar (banana moth), reading best for which type of lei: mealybugs, scales neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. 1977. The Hawai’i Garden: Tropical Shrubs. cleaning of plant materials: hand wash Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. under cold, running water Harvesting Poole, R.T., A.R. Chase, and L.S. Osborne. considerations storing raw lei materials: place in Dracaena Production Guide. University of sealed plastic container and refriger- Florida, IFAS.
scientific name: Senecio cineraria; current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Centaurea cineraria not found family: Asteraceae (formerly Com- cultivars: ‘Silver Lace’, ‘Silver positae) (aster family) Dust’, ‘Silver Storm’ natural setting/location: western and southern Mediterranean
Growing your own management fertilizer needs: light; propagation amend field soils with Ca and Mg if analysis is low form: tip cuttings; seeds (purchase from seed source) recommended spacing: 15" apart preplanting treatment: treat cuttings with mild rooting hormone adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 6–8" pots planting depth: sow seeds 1⁄8" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" pruning: pinch flower into medium buds as they appear in order to maintain foliage germination time: 2–3 weeks quality cutting rooting time: 3 weeks special cultural hints: treat as an annual in Hawai‘i; preferred production avoid waterlogged and conditions poorly drained soils general soil characteristics: well drained, rich soil soil pH: 6.0–7.0 light: full sun water: moderate temperature: 50–90°F elevation: 10–4000' salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 79 dusty miller
Plant characteristics height: 1–2' spread: 1–2' growth rate: fast growth habit: compact, mounding herb foliage texture: fuzzy color: gray-green to silvery shape: feathery lobes fragrance: none pests ö common diseases: Phytophthora blight, The lei shown also contains rose, ‘ hi‘a lehua, pa‘iniu, and palapalai. root rot, root-knot nematodes other pests: caterpillars Notes on lei making References and further Introduced Perennials reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, Harvesting wrist, ankle, horse Nau, Jim. 1998. “Senecio (Dusty Miller).” considerations In: Ball RedBook. 16th ed., p. 750–751. cleaning of plant materials: hand wash Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. what is harvested: leaves under cold running water Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herba- harvesting techniques: cut or pinch off storing raw lei materials: place in plas- ceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, best time of day to harvest: tic container and refrigerate at 40°F Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. early morning for up to 14 days preparing for use in lei: best way to transport from picking area: clip off wrin- paper or cloth bag kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, shake off excess water, wrap in damp newspaper, place in plastic or paper box, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storageor display: air-dry 80 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei feverfew
scientific name: Tanacetum natural setting/location: native to parthenium southeast Europe and Caucasus mountains family: Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) (aster family) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil form: seeds (purchase from seed characteristics: sandy, source); division; cuttings loamy preplanting treatment: use mild rooting soil pH: 6.0–6.5 hormone on cuttings light: full sun planting depth: sow seeds on surface water: of medium or slightly below (1⁄8"); moderate to for divisions, keep root crown just light below soil level; insert base of cut- temperature: 60–70°F ting 1–2" into medium (day), 55°F (night) germination time: 10–15 days at 70°F elevation: 500–3500' cutting rooting time: 3–4 weeks salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: moderate
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 1' apart special cultural hints: cuttings from vegetative shoots result in a more adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 1- to 2-gallon tubs uniform plant; avoid wet growing conditions, as plants die out from pruning: prune to generate new shoots root rot in wet soils from crown; pinching generally not suggested companion plantings: needed for branching baby’s breath Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 81 feverfew
Plant characteristics height: 15–24" spread: clump size 10–15" growth rate: fast growth habit: clumping herb flowers size: ¾" diameter color: white, cream, yellow shape: round, flat (daisy-type flower) singles, doubles fragrance: none flowers in first year: from division, yes; from seed, yes; from cutting, yes (if propagated in spring) flowering period: late spring, summer; provide lights for better year-round The lei shown also contains baby’s breath, hydrangea, rose, ageratum, statice, and chrysan- flowering themum. Introduced Perennials time to flowering: 10–12 weeks from established seedling during spring or Harvesting storing raw lei materials: store in sealed summer; 10 weeks after start of light considerations plastic container and refrigerate at treatment 40°F for up to 10 days what is harvested: flowers inducing and maintaining flowering: flow- preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- ering duration is 8 weeks; can be harvesting techniques: cut stems low to kled, limp, or poor-quality areas pruned and renewed encourage branching from crown of before adding to lei; remove leaves the plant storing a completed lei before wearing: pests best time of day to harvest: mist lei, shake off excess water, wrap early morning common diseases: Botrytis on flowers, in damp newspaper, place in sealed mildew on foliage, root rot; may be best way to transport from picking area: plastic container, and refrigerate susceptible to aster yellows brown paper bag preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: other pests: aphids, spider mites, avoid contact with these products: air-dry thrips smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers References and further reading
Notes on lei making Ball, Vic, ed. 1998. “Feverfew.” In: Ball RedBook. 16 ed., p. 250–251. Batavia, Il- best for which type of lei: neck, head, linois: Ball Publishing. wrist, ankle, horse Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herbaceous vase life: 4 days Ornamental Plants. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. cleaning of plant materials: put stem bases in water; do not wet flower heads 82 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei gardenia
other common names: kiele current status in the wild in hawai‘i: G. augusta not found in the wild; scientific name: Gardenia augusta three native species (G. brighamii, family: Rubiaceae (coffee family) G. remyi, G. mannii) are either rare or endangered natural setting/location: native to China cultivars: there are many, but only a few are available with a consis- tently used name: ‘Enchantress’, ‘Mystery’, ‘Amy Yoshioka’, ‘Veitchii’
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil form: seeds; cuttings 6–7" long; air characteristics: rich, layering; grafting well drained preplanting treatment: soak seeds in soil pH: 5.0–5.5 (avoid water for 24 hours; treat cuttings high pH) with medium rooting hormone light: sunny location planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cutting water: heavy soaking 1–2" into medium temperature: 60–75°F germination time: 3 months elevation: 10–2500' cutting rooting time: 3–6 weeks salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: moderate (wind damages fragile flowers)
management fertilizer needs: medium; to correct chlorosis, apply acidifying fertilizer such as iron special cultural hints: under high-pH sulfate conditions, new growth will turn recommended spacing: 5' apart yellow: give iron; remove spent flowers; regular irrigation important adaptation to growing in containers: yes, to keep plant strong and healthy 2- to 5-gallon tubs, but growing in suggested companion plantings: the ground is best low herbs or annuals requiring partial sun or pruning: remove weak wood; head shade back (cut back) vigorous stems; avoid pruning late in the year; prune to keep within picking height and to produce new shoots for flowering Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 83 gardenia
Plant characteristics height: 2–6' spread: 4–5' growth rate: moderate growth habit: upright, oval shrub flowers size: 2–5" color: white to cream shape: round fragrance: highly scented flowers in first year: yes, from cut- tings or air layering flowering period: late spring, early The lei shown also contains agapanthus, bougainvillea, and lantern ‘ilima. summer time to flowering: less than 1 year best way to transport from picking area: References and further from cutting and air layering, 2–3 plastic bag or container reading Introduced Perennials years from seed avoid contact with these products: inducing and maintaining flowering: Baird, Eugene, and Alex Laurie. 1942. can smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, induce by pruning “Studies of the Effect of Environmental and wilting flowers Factors and Cultural Practices on Bud Ini- tiation, Bud Abscission, and Bud Develop- pests ment of the Gardenia.” Proceedings of the Notes on lei making American Society for Horticultural Science common diseases: leaf spots, stem can- 40:585–588. ker, root-knot nematode, sooty mold best for which type of lei: neck, head, (a problem when ants, aphids, and wrist, ankle Burkhart, Leland, and H.N. Biekart. 1937. scales are not controlled) “Gardenia Nutrition in Relation to Flower vase life: 2 days Bud Development.” Proceedings of the other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, American Society for Horticultural Science cleaning of plant materials: spray with mites, scales, thrips 35:768–769. water Hasek, Raymond F. 1948. “Observation on Harvesting storing raw lei materials: place on wet Gardenia Flower Production at High Air considerations paper towel in a bowl and refrigerate and Soil Temperatures.” Proceedings of the at 40°F for up to 1 day for flowers American Society for Horticultural Science what is harvested: flowers and calyx and 3 days for buds 51:610–612. (green, leafy base); harvesting only preparing for use in lei: Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- from cultivated plants is recom- for flower lei, remove calyx, then sew; if calyx is ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual mended due to scarcity of the native Publishing. Gardenia species sewn into lei, clip bottom; for wili (twisting pattern) lei, remove calyx Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: storing a completed lei before wearing: Hawaii Floriculture. best time of day to harvest: morning for soak lei, shake off excess water, buds, afternoon for open flowers place in sealed container, and refrig- Watkins, J.V. 1950. Gardenias in Florida. erate University of Florida, Agriculture Extension Service Bulletin 145. preserving a lei for long-term storage or Wilkins, H.F. 1986. “Gardenia jasminoi- display: cannot be preserved des.” In: CRC Handbook of Flowering. vol V., ed. by A. H. Halevy, p. 127–131. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. 84 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ginger (white and yellow)
other common names: ‘awapuhi natural setting/location: southwest ke‘oke‘o (white ginger), ‘awapuhi China and northeast India melemele (yellow ginger) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Hedychium coro- has potential to be invasive in wet narium, H. flavescens and other areas species cultivars: a number of hybrids exist family: Zingiberaceae (ginger with different colors and flower family) sizes; few are readily available
Growing your own management fertilizer needs: heavy propagation recommended spacing: form: division of rhizomes is best; 3–5' apart seeds adaptation to growing in preplanting treatment: remove any containers: yes, 2- to diseased portion of the division and 5-gallon tubs dust the cuts with fungicide before pruning: remove planting old canes after planting depth: sow seeds on surface flowering or slightly below (¼"); keep root special cultural hints: crown of division just below soil divide and replant level after 5 years germination time: 1 month suggested companion rhizome rooting time: 3–4 weeks plantings: can be grown under light preferred shade of tall trees production conditions Plant characteristics color: white, yellow, orange general soil characteristics: high or- shape: tubular ganic matter height: to 5–6' fragrance: yes, strong soil pH: 5.5–6.5 spread: depends on age of clump (3–5' for 2- to 3-year-old plants) flowers in first year: from divisions, light: full sun to partial shade yes; seeds take 2–3 years growth rate: clump size increases water: heavy watering 10% per year flowering period: white forms flower temperature: 50–75°F in late summer, yellow forms flower growth habit: upright, sprawling, year-round elevation: 10–6000' herbaceous time to flowering: 3 months minimum, salt tolerance: poor flowers depending on size of division and wind resistance: poor time of year the division is taken; size: 2½–3" spring is the best time to make divi- sions Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 85 ginger (white and yellow) inducing and maintaining flowering: in winter, use of flood lamps to inter- rupt dark period causes mature plants to flower 8–10 weeks later pests common diseases: bacterial leaf spots, root rot, nematodes (root-knot, bur- rowing, lesion, reniform) other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, scales, thrips
Harvesting considerations what is harvested: flower buds harvesting techniques: pull buds from stalk storing a completed lei before wearing: ALERT: Hedychium coronarium and best way to transport from picking area: mist lei, place in sealed plastic con- H. flavescens could be invasive species tainer, and refrigerate and cause problems in forests and natural brown paper bag, or wrap in ti leaf Introduced Perennials and put in sealed container preserving a lei for long-term storage or areas in Hawai‘i. H. coronarium scores display: a rating of 14 and H. flavescens scores avoid contact with these products: cannot be preserved a rating of 11 on the Hawai‘i–Pacific smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). The and wilting flowers References and further HPWRA predicts whether any given reading plant is at low or high risk of becoming Notes on lei making invasive in Hawai‘i or similar Pacific Chapman, Timothy S. 1995. Ornamental islands and is about 95% accurate. Any Gingers: A Guide to Selection and Cultiva- best for which type of lei: neck, head, tion. St. Gabriel, Louisiana: T.S. Chapman. score above 6 indicates the potential for wrist, ankle invasiveness, though there are varying Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. levels of concern. The HPWRA score cleaning of plant materials: cold water 1977. The Hawai’i Garden: Tropical Exot- does not necessarily mean you should soak ics. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. remove established plants from urban storing raw lei materials: depends on Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- landscapes or avoid planting them at all, lei pattern; for single or double, ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual but H. coronarium and H. flavescens Publishing. place buds in water to slightly open should not be introduced to areas flowers; for Micronesian pattern, do Riffle, Robert L. 1998. The Tropical Look: where they are not already growing. not place in water, keep in bud form, An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape H. coronarium has already naturalized Plants and place on ti leaf sealed in cello- . Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. in some places on O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, phane; refrigerate at 40°F for up to Maui, Lana‘i, and Hawai‘i Island, and 3 days H. flavescens has already naturalized preparing for use in lei: depends on lei in some places on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, pattern; for single or double, gently Moloka‘i, Maui, Lana‘i, and Hawai‘i open up flowers; for Micronesian, Island. The plants spread via rhizomes leave bud covering on until lei is and stolons. Use of native plants or completed non-native, non-invasive species in lei will minimize the spread of weeds. See the Plant Pono website for more information about potentially invasive species: http://www.plantpono.org. 86 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei hoya
other common names: honey plant, natural setting/location: Asia, Ocea- pua-hōkū-hihi, star flower, wax nea plant current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Hoya species not found family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed cultivars: many cultivars and spe- family) cies available: ‘Exotica’, ‘Krinkle Kurl’, ‘Variegata’
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil form: cuttings; seeds (seeds rarely characteristics: well available) drained, loose preplanting treatment: allow cuttings to soil pH: 6.0–6.5 dry for 7 days before planting, treat with medium rooting hormone light: full sun to partial shade planting depth: insert base of cutting 1" into medium water: keep dry germination time: unknown temperature: 45– 105°F cutting rooting time: 2–3 weeks elevation: 10–2000' salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: good
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 2' in rows adaptation to growing in containers: yes, with a well-drained and nematode-free medium; hanging special cultural hints: spray whole baskets preferred; support needed plant when watering; highly sus- when grown in pots ceptible to burrowing nematodes; provide trellis or other support Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 87 hoya
Plant characteristics height: 10', depending on support height spread: 36" growth rate: fast to slow, depending on species growth habit: moderately compact vine flowers size: ¼–¾" color: white, pink, peach shape: flat with fleshy crown, star- shaped fragrance: sweet The lei shown also contains aster, rose, bleeding heart, globe amaranth, ageratum, bougain- flowers in first year: possibly 3 clus- villea, and ‘ākia. ters of flowers with stalks of nearly
equal length Introduced Perennials preparing for use in lei: clip off the flowering period: year-round Harvesting considerations wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas time to flowering: 6 months before adding to lei. stem length what is harvested: individual flowers inducing and maintaining flowering: should be ¼" con- and flower clusters tinual, minimal fertilizer storing a completed lei before wearing: harvesting techniques: do not remove soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp pa- pests persistent stalk (that which remains per towel in sealed plastic container, attached to the plant) and refrigerate common diseases: fungal root rot, root- best time of day to harvest: preserving a lei for long-term storage or knot and burrowing nematodes early morning display: air-dry other pests: mealybugs, scales best way to transport from picking area: paper bag References and further avoid contact with these products: reading smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers Elbert, Virginie F., and George A. Elbert. 1975. Fun with Growing Odd and Curious House Plants. New York: Crown Publish- Notes on lei making ers Inc. Heintze, Steven. 1981. “Hoyas.” American best for which type of lei: neck, head, Horticulturist 60 (12): 2428, 35. wrist, ankle Hirsch, Doris F. 1977. Indoor Plants: cleaning of plant materials: cold water Comprehensive Care and Culture. Radnor, soak Pennsylvania: Chilton Book Co. storing raw lei materials: keep damp with wet paper towels and refriger- ate at 40°F for up to 10 days 88 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei hydrangea
other common names: ajisai, horten- natural setting/location: native to sia, mil flores, ōp pōhau Japan scientific name: Hydrangea macro- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: phylla occasionally found but not natural- ized family: Hydrangeaceae (hydrangea family) cultivars: ‘Bottstein’, ‘Jennifer’, ‘Rose Supreme’, ‘Sister Therese’
Growing your own elevation: 500–3500' (flowering is erratic at handling cautions: all parts of the plant lower elevations) are poisonous if eaten salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: propagation poor
form: cuttings management preplanting treatment: treat with me- fertilizer needs: dium rooting hormone medium planting depth: plant base 1–2" into recommended spacing: medium 3–5' apart cutting rooting time: 3–5 weeks with adaptation to growing in mist and bottom heat (72°F) containers: yes, 3- to 5-gallon tubs or large preferred production planter boxes conditions pruning: pinch shoots general soil characteristics: well- back to 2 nodes in late drained loam or sandy loam May and early July; soil pH: pink flowers are produced at thin out weak growth pH >6.0–6.5, blue flowers are pro- early in the year; duced with the addition of aluminum don’t prune late in the sulfate and a lower pH of 5.0–5.5 year or you may lose next year’s flowers light: full sun to partial shade special cultural hints: water: keep moist pinch through early temperature: for flower initiation, summer to produce many branches; added to lower pH; if Al is added night temperature in the 65–70°F plants under long-day conditions to pots with pink flowers, they may range is necessary; an exposure to remain vegetative, while short- gradually turn to a mauve-blue 52°F for a period of 6–8 weeks will day conditions encourage flower color; some cultivars have stable improve flowering initiation; for pink flowers, avoid flower color acidic soils high in aluminum (Al); suggested companion plantings: azalea for blue flowers, high-Al soils are good, or aluminum sulfate can be Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 89 hydrangea
Plant characteristics height: to 10' spread: to 5–6' growth rate: fast growth habit: spreading shrub flowers size: inflorescences are 4–8" in diameter color: white, pink, red, blue, laven- der, mauve shape: inflorescence spherical, indi- vidual florets squarish fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes if forced, but normally flowering occurs during The lei shown also contains feverfew, baby’s breath, rose, ageratum, statice, and chrysanthemum. the second year flowering period: spring Introduced Perennials Harvesting storing raw lei materials: wrap individ- time to flowering: floral development considerations ual flowers in wet paper towel, place requires 8–10 weeks from initiation in plastic or paper container, and what is harvested: inducing and maintaining flowering: for inflorescence or refrigerate at 40°F for up to 10 days. parts of one plants grown in covered areas, 6–10 preparing for use in lei: clip off the weeks of short days (8–12 hours) harvesting techniques: pluck individual wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas and 65°F nights in late summer are inflorescence before adding to lei needed to stimulate flower initiation; best time of day to harvest: storing a completed lei before wearing: for potted plants, provide 6 weeks of temperature below 55°F and force at early morning soak lei, drip dry, wrap in wet paper towel, place in plastic or paper con- 60–65°F; no good control system for best way to transport from picking area: tainer, and refrigerate open field-grown plants paper bag preserving a lei for long-term storage avoid contact with these products: foliage or display: air-dry when flowers are smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, older (in the green color stage) texture: coarse and wilting flowers color: dark green Notes on lei making shape: ovate with serrated margins References and further reading and accuminate tip best for which type of lei: neck, head, fragrance: none wrist, ankle, horse Bailey, Douglas A. 1989. Hydrangea Pro- duction. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. vase life: 4 days pests Miller, Robert O. 1998. “Hydrangea.” In: cleaning of plant materials: cold water Ball RedBook, 16th ed., p. 553–564. Batavia, common diseases: powdery mildew, soak Illinois: Ball Publishing. root rot, various leaf spots, viruses other pests: aphids, mites, scales, slugs, snails, thrips, whiteflies 90 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ixora
other common names: pöpölehua current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found scientific name: Ixora coccinea; I. chinensis; I. casei cultivars: many cultivars are avail- able, in dwarf and standard sizes; family: Rubiaceae (coffee family) ‘Nora Grant’ is very popular natural setting/location: Southeast Asia and China
Growing your own
propagation form: terminal cuttings; air layering preplanting treatment: treat cuttings with medium rooting hormone planting depth: insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium cutting rooting time: 2–3 months
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained, loamy to sandy loam; in pots, 1:2:2 soil:peat:perlite or volca- nic cinders soil pH: 5.0–5.5; considerable chloro- sis develops at higher pH light adaptation to growing in containers: : full sun (tolerates partial shade management yes, but does not flower as profusely) 2-gallon tubs or larger with drainage fertilizer needs: medium; to correct water: pruning: cut back to leave 3–4 leaf keep moist chlorosis, apply acidifying fertilizer pairs on a branch; thin out weak temperature: such as iron sulfate 55–90°F branches elevation: 10–1000' recommended spacing: larger type should be planted about 5' on center salt tolerance: moderate unless grown as a hedge, in which wind resistance: good case 8–36", depending on type Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 91 ixora
Plant characteristics height: 2–12' spread: 2–5' growth rate: moderate growth habit: spreading to erect, ever- green, woody shrub flowers size: terminal clusters up to 10" across; a double red form exists color: white, red, pink, orange, yel- low shape: individual flowers with long tube and 4-lobed petals fragrance: none The lei shown also contains bougainvillea, epidendrum orchid, panax, aster, moa, and ti. flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round, heaviest preparing for use in lei : Introduced Perennials in summer Harvesting clip off wrin- considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas time to flowering: from transplanted before adding to lei cuttings, allow 4–6 months; seed- what is harvested: flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: lings have a juvenility period and harvesting techniques: take longer to flower than do cut- pluck indiviudal soak lei, drip dry, place on wet paper tings flowers towel in sealed plastic container, and refrigerate best time of day to harvest: inducing and maintaining flowering: flow- preserving a lei for long-term storage or ers occur on new growth; prune early morning display: cannot be preserved as needed to produce new shoots; best way to transport from picking area: pruning back to old wood stimulates paper or cloth bag small axillary flower clusters; use of avoid contact with these products: References and further a growth retardant stimulates flower- reading ing smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. pests 1977. The Hawaii Garden: Tropical Shrubs. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. common diseases: Notes on lei making root rot in wet soils, Odenwald, Neil G., and James R. Turner. Botrytis on flowers in wet weather, best for which type of lei: neck, head, 1980. Plants for the South: A Guide to leaf spots, nematodes, sooty mold wrist, ankle Landscape Design. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: with high insect populations, suscep- Claitor’s Publishing Division. vase life: 2 days tible to nutrient imbalances Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape other pests: ants, aphids, mealybugs, cleaning of plant materials: cold water Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: scales, whiteflies soak Hawaii Floriculture. storing raw lei materials: store in water Shillo, Ruth, and Hadas Tsook. 1989. and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 4 “Ixora.” In: CRC Handbook of Flowering, days vol. VI, p. 379–386. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. 92 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei joyweed
other common names: Joseph’s coat, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: palewāwae not found scientific name: Alternanthera cultivars: other species of the genus tenella Alternanthera can be used; review seed catalogs for available color family: Amaranthaceae (amaranth forms and leaf varieties family) natural setting/location: tropical and subtropical America
Growing your own
propagation form: cuttings (2–3" cuttings root rapidly); division preplanting treatment: rooting hormone not needed planting depth: insert base of cutting 1" into medium; keep division root crown just below soil level cutting rooting time: 7–14 days
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained, moisture retentive soil pH: 5.5–6.5 pruning: management responds well to clipping light: full sun produces the best leaf and shearing and can be maintained color; tolerates partial shade fertilizer needs: medium; fertilize at 4–6" height; plants become weak lightly after shearing and thin when allowed to grow too water: moderate tall recommended spacing: 4–6" apart temperature: frost-tender; low tem- peratures reduce foliage color adaptation to growing in containers: yes, ½- to 1-gallon pots, but planting in elevation: 10–2000' the ground is better salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 93 joyweed
Plant characteristics height: 6–12" spread: 10–12" growth rate: fast growth habit: low, creeping, mat-like shrub foliage texture: smooth color: multicolored in yellow, red, orange, green, and white shape: spoon shaped or ovoid fragrance: none pests common diseases: root rot, foliar blights, southern blight, rootknot nematodes Introduced Perennials The lei shown also contains crown flower, liriope, moa, baby’s breath, and pentas. other pests: broad mite, mealybugs, slugs, snails Notes on lei making References and further reading Harvesting best for which type of lei: considerations neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Holttum, Richard E., and Ivan Enoch. 1991. Gardening in the Tropics. Singapore: Times what is harvested: branch tips vase life: 3 days Editions. harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull cleaning of plant materials: cold water Odenwald, Neil G., and James R. Turner. best time of day to harvest: soak 1980. Plants for the South: A Guide to Landscape Design. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: early morning storing raw lei materials: refrigerate in Claitor’s Publishing Division. best way to transport from picking area: plastic container at 40°F for up to 14 days Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herba- paper or cloth bag ceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, preparing for use in lei: avoid contact with these products: clip off wrin- Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Warren, William. 1997. Tropical Plants for and wilting flowers before adding to lei Home and Garden. London: Thames and storing a completed lei before wear- Hudson. ing: soak lei in water for 5 minutes, drip dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in sealed plastic container, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry 94 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kalanchoe
scientific name: Kalanchoe species, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: and cultivars of K. blossfeldiana not found family: Crassulaceae (orpine fam- cultivars: many available from ily) commercial sources: ‘Pumila’, ‘Tetra Vulcan’ natural setting/location: native to Madagascar
Growing your own
propagation form: stem cuttings 2–3 nodes long; leaf cuttings used for some species; preferred propagation material varies among species; seeds available from some seed sources preplanting treatment: cuttings can be dried for 3–4 days before propagat- ing; use mild rooting hormone planting depth: insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium; sow seeds on surface of medium, do not cover germination time: 15 days cutting rooting time: 3 weeks for stem cuttings; leaf cuttings may require 8–10 weeks to generate roots and hours of light) are required for recommended spacing: shoots a 6" potted plant flowering would require 12–15" space from its water: drought tolerant; do not over- center to the center of the adjacent preferred production plant conditions water; allow the soil to dry slightly before watering adaptation to growing in containers: yes, general soil characteristics: well temperature: 4–8" plastic or clay pots drained; in pots, 2:1:1 peat:perlite: flowering delayed below sand; plant has fine root system and 65°F or above 75°F pruning: about 3 weeks after potting, needs a fine medium, so commer- elevation: 1000–3500'; some cultivars pinch out one set of leaves from tip cial mixes that are mostly peat and adapted to low elevations of plant to induce more branches; perlite are satisfactory pinching delays flower development salt tolerance: moderate by 4 weeks soil pH: 5.8–6.5 wind resistance: good special cultural hints: avoid oil-based light: 50–60% shade to full sun; or emulsifiable sprays plants are photoperiod-sensitive: management long days promote vegetative suggested companion plantings: begonia growth, while short days (9–10 fertilizer needs: medium Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 95 kalanchoe
Plant characteristics height: to 40" (depending on species) spread: to 12" (depending on species) growth rate: slow to moderate growth habit: compact, succulent herb flowers size: clusters to 4" in diameter color: red, yellow, orange, pink, rose, white (some species with two-tone flowers) shape: round to irregular cluster of 4-petalled flowers fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains panax and shinobu. flowering period: during and following the short-day period of the year preparing for use in lei: Harvesting haku (mount- Introduced Perennials time to flowering: from seed: about considerations ing against a background) pattern 10–11 months; from cuttings: 12–16 requires about 3–4" of stem with weeks, depending on variety and what is harvested: flower spikes a cluster tied together; clip off daylength treatments wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality areas harvesting techniques: pinch flowers off before adding to lei inducing and maintaining flowering: best time of day to harvest: provide rooted transplants with storing a completed lei before wearing: early morning 2–4 weeks of long days (minimum soak lei, shake off excess water, 12 hours of light) both before and best way to transport from picking area: place in sealed plastic container, and after pinching; to time of flowering, cloth or paper bag or container refrigerate provide 3–6 weeks of short days avoid contact with these products: preserving a lei for long-term storage or (11–11½ hours of light); flower de- smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, display: cannot be preserved velopment requires 5–8 weeks from and wilting flowers the end of short days, depending on the variety References and further Notes on lei making reading pests best for which type of lei: neck, head, Ball, V., ed. 1998. “Kalanchoe.” In: Ball common diseases: bacterial soft rot, wrist, ankle, horse RedBook, 16 ed., p. 586–591. Batavia, Il- Botrytis on the flowers, mildew on linois: Ball Publishing Co. cleaning of plant materials: the foliage, fungal leafspot, crown stick stems Pertuit, A.J. 1997. “Kalanchoe.” In: Tips on rot, rootknot nematodes in water Growing Specialty Crops. Columbus, Ohio: storing raw lei materials: Ohio Floral Association. other pests: aphids, caterpillars, store in sealed mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies plastic container and refrigerate at 40–45°F for up to 7 days 96 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei kikania— — lei
other common names: cockroach natural setting/location: native to berry, polohauai‘i Brazil scientific name: current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Solanum capsicoides common weed in disturbed areas family: Solanaceae such as pastures, trails, and pond (nightshade family) banks
Growing your own
handling cautions: fruits are used in lei but are poisonous if eaten; stems and foliage have thorns
propagation form: seeds pretreatment: remove seeds from pulp, soak in water for 24 hours planting depth: sow ¼" deep in me- dium germination time: 2 weeks
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained management Plant characteristics soil pH: 5.5–6.5 fertilizer needs: medium height: to 36" light: sunny location recommended spacing: 4' apart spread: to 36" water: keep dry adaptation to growing in containers: growth rate: fast not recommended temperature: 60–80°F growth habit: short-lived shrub special cultural hints: elevation: 10–2500' pick spent flow- ers; for larger fruits, remove new fruit salt tolerance: poor flowers after first fruits have set size: 3 wind resistance: moderate ⁄8–1" color: orange at maturity Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 97 kikania— — lei
shape: round type: smooth, hard berry fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round time to flowering: 4 months inducing and maintaining flowering: plant is always flowering
pests common diseases: alternaria and other foliar diseases affecting nightshade plants other pests: mealybugs, mites, white- The lei shown also contains bird of paradise and kuhuna o ka lā (mangrove). flies
Harvesting storing a completed lei before wearing: ALERT: Solanum capsicoides can
considerations place in glass or plastic container be an invasive species and cause Introduced Perennials and refrigerate; no water problems in agricultural areas in what is harvested: mature fruits preserving a lei for long-term storage or Hawai‘i. It scores a rating of 15 harvesting techniques: pick fruit by display: cannot be preserved on the Hawai‘i–Pacific Weed Risk hand; gloves advised due to thorns Assessment (HPWRA). The HPWRA on stems and foliage predicts whether any given plant is at low or high risk of becoming invasive best time of day to harvest: References and further reading in Hawai‘i or similar Pacific islands, early morning and is about 95% accurate. Any score best way to transport from picking area: Haselwood, E.L., and G.G. Motter. 1983. above 6 indicates the potential for glass jar Handbook of Hawaiian Weeds. 2nd ed., invasiveness, though there are varying revised and expanded by Robert Hirano, levels of concern. The HPWRA score Harold L. Lyon Arboretum. Honolulu: Uni- does not necessarily mean you should Notes on lei making versity of Hawai‘i Press. remove established plants from urban Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- best for which type of lei: neck, head, landscapes or avoid planting them ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual wrist, ankle, horse at all, but S. capsicoides should not Publishing. be introduced to areas where it is not cleaning of plant materials: no water McDonald, Marie A. 1989. Ka Lei: the Leis already growing. S. capsicoides has storing raw lei materials: store in glass of Hawaii. Honolulu: Ku Pa‘a Inc., and already naturalized in some places on or plastic container and refrigerate at Press Pacifica. Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui, Lana‘i, 40°F for up to 20 days; no water and Hawai‘i Island. Birds can spread the seeds. If fertile material is used, preparing for use in lei: remove calyx lei should not be discarded in areas (green, leafy base) and stem before where S. capsicoides is not naturalized sewing and where the seeds can germinate and grow. Use of native plants or non- native, non-invasive species in lei will minimize the spread of weeds. See the Plant Pono website for more information about potentially invasive species: http://www.plantpono.org. 98 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei
lantern ‘ilima and royal ‘ilima
other common names: abutilon, ma‘o natural setting/location: Brazil, Uru- (lantern ‘ilima); triple ‘ilima (royal guay, and Argentina ‘ilima) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Abutilon pictum A. pictum not found; (lantern ‘ilima); A. grandiflorum A. grandiflorum naturalized in (royal ‘ilima) dry areas family: Malvaceae (mallow family)
Growing your own salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: very propagation poor form: cuttings; seeds management preplanting treatment: soak seeds in fertilizer needs: water for 24 hours; treat cuttings with medium rooting hormone, place medium under mist recommended spacing: planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in 4' apart medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" adaptation to growing into medium in containers: yes, germination time: 1–3 months 10-gallon tubs pruning: cutting rooting time: 3–5 weeks prune to manage size and shape and keep full preferred production and bushy conditions special cultural hints: general soil characteristics: well plant in raised beds drained or mounds in areas soil pH: 6.0–7.5 with poor drain- age; stake in areas light: full sun where winds are water: apply ½" every other day in strong; a beneficial dry areas once established virus (abutilon mosaic virus) temperature: 45–90°F causes leaves to be elevation: 10–2500' mottled and rugose (bumpy); plants without the virus have smooth leaves and grow vigor- royal ‘ilima grown from seed varies ously but produce flowers that are in size, shape, and growing charac- not desirable and are few in number; teristics Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 99
lantern ‘ilima and royal ‘ilima
Plant characteristics height: 8' spread: 4' growth rate: fast growth habit: sprawling shrub flowers size: 1" color: yellow with red veins and stamens (A. pictum); yellow-orange (A. grandiflorum) shape: bell-shaped (A. pictum); tight cluster, roundish (A. grandiflorum) fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round Harvesting storing raw lei materials: store in time to flowering: considerations shallow, stackable open trays until some flower at 4–6 Introduced Perennials flowers open. Don’t pack in boxes; months; maturity after 12–18 months what is harvested: flowers refrigerator temperature should be less than 40°F (38°F is good); no harvesting techniques: pull or snap pests water best time of day to harvest: common diseases: root rot, rust fungi preparing for use in lei: remove calyx early morning (A. grandiflorum); A. pictum is (green, leafy base) before stringing affected by abutilon mosaic virus best way to transport from picking area: storing a completed lei before wearing: (causing mottled leaves), but it is not paper or cloth bag a problem; nematodes place lei in sealed container and avoid contact with these products: refrigerate; no water other pests: Chinese rose beetle, smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, preserving a lei for long-term storage or mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies and wilting flowers display: cannot be preserved
Notes on lei making References and further best for which type of lei: neck, head, reading wrist, ankle Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- vase life: 8–24 hours ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing. cleaning of plant materials: no water Odenwald, Neil G., and James R. Turner. 1980. Plants for the South: A Guide to Landscape Design. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Claitor’s Publishing Division. Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. 100 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei laua‘e
other common names: lauwa‘e, maile- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scented fern common; naturalized, especially scientific name: in disturbed areas, from coastal to Phymatosorus grossus (Microso- shaded moist lowland forests and rum scolopendria) windswept ridges cultivars: family: Polypodiaceae laua‘e iki (dwarf cultivar) (polypody family) natural setting/location: Old World tropics, Polynesia
Growing your own preferred production handling cautions: may cause skin ir- conditions ritation general soil characteris- tics: rich, well drained propagation soil pH: 5.5–6.5 form: spores; division; rhizome cut- light: tings (with at least one node) full sun to light shade preplanting treatment: rooting hormone water: not needed for cuttings moderate to wet planting depth: sow spores on surface temperature: of medium; keep division root crown 55–90°F just below soil level; insert base of elevation: 10–1500' cutting 1–2" into medium salt tolerance: cutting rooting time: 6–8 weeks moderate wind resistance: poor to moderate
management fertilizer needs: me- dium recommended spacing: 1' apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 3-gal- lon tubs or larger over unplanted areas; full sun will pruning: remove old fronds cause fronds to be lighter green special cultural hints: keep in con- suggested companion plantings: plants tained area to keep it from taking that provide shade Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 101 laua‘e
Plant characteristics height: 2–3' spread: 6–10' growth rate: slow at first, fast when established growth habit: fern, groundcover foliage texture: smooth color: green to black shape: large, pinnately lobed fragrance: spicy, maile-like pests The lei shown also contains asparagus fern and dusty miller. common diseases: fungal root rot, root- knot and lesion nematodes other pests: fern weevil, mites, scales, Notes on lei making References and further Introduced Perennials slugs, snails reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Hoshizaki, Barbara J. 1976. Fern Grower's Manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Harvesting vase life: 14 days considerations Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- what is harvested: leaves soak tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull storing raw lei materials: store in sealed Valier, Kathy. 1995. Ferns of Hawai‘i. Ho- nolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. best time of day to harvest: plastic container and refrigerate at early morning 40°F for up to 30 days preparing for use in lei: best way to transport from picking area: leave fronds paper or cloth bag out overnight to soften, then braid with ti leaf storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in sealed plastic container, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry 102 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei maunaloa
scientific name: current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Canavalia cathartica naturalized in dry to mesic (medium-wet) disturbed sites family: Fabaceae (pea family) natural setting/location: East Africa, India, Malaysia, Polynesia
Growing your own
propagation form: seeds planting depth: sow seeds ½" deep in medium germination time: 7 days
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: tolerant of many soil types soil pH: 6.0–7.0 light: sunny location water: drought tolerant temperature: 50–90°F elevation: 10–1000' pruning: salt tolerance: moderate management prune to keep plant manage- able for easy harvesting wind resistance: moderate fertilizer needs: light special cultural hints: provide a trellis recommended spacing: 4' apart or other support; may become weedy if left unchecked adaptation to growing in containers: not recommended Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 103 maunaloa
Plant characteristics height: limited to height of support spread: 20' growth rate: fast growth habit: rampant vine flowers size: 1½" color: lavender, pink, purple shape: bilaterally symmetrical, like a pea flower fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round, heaviest in spring and summer time to flowering: 3 months Notes on lei making References and further inducing and maintaining flowering: re- reading Introduced Perennials move spent flowers and pods best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual cleaning of plant materials: pests spray with Publishing. water. common diseases: fungal root rot Kuck, Loraine E., and Richard C. Tongg. storing raw lei materials: store in sealed 1955. The Modern Tropical Garden: Its other pests: black stink bug plastic bag or container and refriger- Design, Plant Materials, and Horticulture. ate at 40°F for up to 3 days; no water Honolulu: Tongg Publishing Co. Harvesting preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- before adding to lei tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. what is harvested: flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: harvesting techniques: pinch flowers off place lei on wax paper in sealed best time of day to harvest: plastic bag or container and refriger- early morning ate; no water best way to transport from picking area: preserving a lei for long-term storage or paper or cloth container display: cannot be preserved avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 104 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei ‘ohai ali‘i
other common names: dwarf poinci- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: ana, pride of Barbados not found scientific name: cultivars: none named; red-orange, Caesalpinia pulcherrima yellow, pink, cream, and rose types are grown family: Fabaceae (pea family) natural setting/location: tropical America
Growing your own
handling cautions: thorns on stems
propagation form: seeds preplanting treatment: soak seeds in water for 24 hours planting depth: sow in well-drained medium (1 seed per container, ¼" deep in medium) and put in full sun germination time: 7 days
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: rich, well drained
soil pH: 5.5–6.5 special cultural hints: management plants can be light: sunny location variable when grown from seed; fertilizer needs: light may become weedy if left un- water: drought tolerant checked recommended spacing: 6–8' apart temperature: 50–90°F suggested companion plantings: ferns adaptation to growing in containers: yes, elevation: 10–1500' or more 3-gallon tubs or larger salt tolerance: moderate pruning: thin out weak growth and wind resistance: good head back (cut back) vigorous shoots to induce branching; prune branch tips to old wood after flowering Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 105 ‘ohai ali‘i
Plant characteristics height: 10' spread: 10' growth rate: fast growth habit: rounded shrub or small tree flowers size: 1" diameter, 2" long color: red-orange, yellow, pink, rose, cream shape: round, with long stamens fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains Dracaena tricolor and Mexican creeper. flowering period: year-round time to flowering: 6–12 months Notes on lei making References and further inducing and maintaining flowering: reading Introduced Perennials remove seed pods as they form to best for which type of lei: neck, head, maintain flowering wrist, ankle Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. 1977. The Hawaii Garden: Tropical Shrubs. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. pests soak Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- common diseases: fungal stem rot, root storing raw lei materials: store in sealed ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual rot plastic container in refrigerator at Publishing. 40°F for up to 4 days other pests: caterpillars, scales Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape preparing for use in lei: for sewing, Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: clip stem when picking; for haku Hawaii Floriculture. Harvesting (mounting against a background) or Warren, William. 1997. Tropical Plants for considerations wili (twisting pattern), leave stem; Home and Garden. London: Thames and mist with water frequently while Hudson. what is harvested: flowers with 1–2" making lei of stem storing a completed lei before wearing: harvesting techniques: pinch flowers mist lei, place on dry tissue paper in best time of day to harvest: sealed plastic container, and refriger- early morning ate best way to transport from picking area: preserving a lei for long-term storage or paper or cloth container display: cannot be preserved avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 106 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei orchid: cymbidium
other common names: ‘okika current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Cymbidium species not found cultivars: family: Orchidaceae many large and miniature (orchid family) species and varieties natural setting/location: Southeast Asia to India
Growing your own preferred production conditions
propagation general soil characteristics: soilless media, gravel, cin- form: seeds; mericloning (commer- der, hāpu‘u, wood bark cial growers purchase tissue-cultured plantlets in sterile flasks); division soil pH: 5.5–6.5 preplanting treatment: pods are steril- light: full sun to partial shade ized before aseptic culture; remove water: keep moist old foliage and bulbs from divisions temperature: 55°F at night planting depth: sow seeds on surface during summer of aseptic medium; keep division root crown just below soil level elevation: 1500–4000' germination time: 2–3 months salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: light to me- dium; varies among types recommended spacing: 2 ft2 per plant adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 2-gallon plastic pots special cultural hints: sterilize tools or larger between cuttings and remove old medium when deflasking; sanitation pruning: not necessary; remove old is important flower stalks and yellow or dead leaves suggested companion plantings: other orchids Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 107 orchid: cymbidium
Plant characteristics height: 3–4' spread: gets large if left undivided growth rate: moderate growth habit: vertical, epiphytic flowers size: 2–4" color: white, green, red, yellow, pink, orange shape: star-shaped fragrance: faint, sweet flowers in first year: yes, but flowers The lei shown also contains cup-and-saucer plant, kangaroo paw, kalanchoe, Peruvian lily, are small until the following season, and ‘öhi‘a lehua. when they become larger and more numerous cleaning of plant materials: soak flow- flowering period: Harvesting spring through early ers in clean water for 5 minutes considerations Introduced Perennials summer after harvesting; check for insects in time to flowering: 8 months from divi- what is harvested: spray (raceme with throat of flower flowers) or individual flower on 2" sions, about 2–3 years from seed storing raw lei materials: spray can be of stem inducing and maintaining flowering: sum- stored for up to 14 days in water; in- mer night temperature must remain harvesting techniques: cut or snap spray dividual flower can be stored for up at or below 55°F for consistent close to the base to 14 days if stem is wrapped with a piece of moist paper in a plastic bag; flower initiation for most variet- best time of day to harvest: refrigerate both at 40°F ies; miniature types can flower with early morning warmer temperatures preparing for use in lei: clip stem if best way to transport from picking area: sewing lei, keep stem if using in place cut end of spray in a container pests other lei patterns with water; individual flower stems common diseases: Pythium and Phy- can be placed in water in a plastic storing a completed lei before wearing: tophthora root rot, black rot, Col- tube sealed with a rubber band or mist lei, shake off excess water, letotrichum leaf spot (fungus), petal plastic cover place in sealed plastic container or bag, and refrigerate and blossom spot (fungi), bacterial avoid mixing with these materials: smoke, stem rot, cymbidium mosaic and car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilt- preserving a lei for long-term storage or odontoglossum ringspot viruses ing flowers; avoid extremes of heat display: cannot be preserved other pests: aphids, mice, mites, and cold slugs, snails, thrips References and further Notes on lei making reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, Leonhardt, K.W. 1980. Simple Orchid Cul- wrist, ankle, horse ture. University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, CES vase life: 14 days Circular 452. Sacalis, John N. 1993. Cut Flowers, Pro- longing Freshness. Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. 108 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei orchid: dendrobium
other common names: ‘okika current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found scientific name: Dendrobium species cultivars: many UH-CTAHR family: Orchidaceae (orchid fam- cultivars available; some recent ily) ones are ‘Splendor’ and ‘White natural setting/location: found Cascade’ worldwide
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteristics: form: seeds; aerial offshoots; divi- soilless media, gravel, sion; mericloning (commercial cinder, wood bark, growers purchase tissue-cultured hāpu‘u plantlets in sterile flasks) soil pH: 5.5–6.5 preplanting treatment: green pods or light: seeds are sterilized before aseptic 30% shade culture; remove old foliage and water: prefers high bulbs from divisions humidity; water 3–4 planting depth: sow seeds on surface times per week of aseptic medium; keep division temperature: 75–85°F root crown just below soil level (day) / 65°F (night) germination time: 2–4 months elevation: 10–1000' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: light to medium; varies among types recommended spacing: 1 ft2 per plant adaptation to growing in containers: special cultural hints: sterilize tools yes; plastic, clay, or cement pots; between cuts and remove old me- polybags dium when deflasking; sanitation is important pruning: not necessary; remove old flower stalks and yellow or dead suggested companion plantings: other leaves orchids Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 109 orchid: dendrobium
Plant characteristics height: to 6' spread: 24" growth rate: fast growth habit: upright, epiphytic flowers size: 2–4" color: white, purple, blush-pink, yellow shape: star-shaped, 3 petals, 3 sepals fragrance: yes, varies flowers in first year: no flowering period: heaviest during sum- mer time to flowering: 18 months from
flask Introduced Perennials best way to transport from picking area: storing a completed lei before wearing: inducing and maintaining flowering: main- cut end of spray under water in a mist lei, shake off excess water, tain good plant health and provide plastic container or pick flowers and place in sealed plastic bag or con- adequate fertilizer carry in plastic, paper, or cloth bag tainer, and refrigerate avoid contact with these products: preserving a lei for long-term storage or pests smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, display: cannot be preserved common diseases: Pythium and Phy- and wilting flowers; avoid extremes tophthora root rot, black rot, Col- of heat and cold letotrichum leaf spot (fungus), petal References and further and blossom spot (fungi), bacterial reading Notes on lei making stem rot, cymbidium mosaic and Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- odontoglossum ringspot viruses best for which type of lei: neck, head, ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual other pests: aphids, blossom midge, wrist, ankle, horse Publishing. Leonhardt, K.W. 1980. Simple Orchid Cul- mealybugs, mice, mites, orchid wee- vase life: to 7 days vil, scales, slugs, snails, thrips ture. University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, CES cleaning of plant materials: soak flow- Circular 452. ers in clean water for 5 minutes after Leonhardt, K.W., and Kelvin Sewake. 1999. Harvesting harvesting; check for insects inside Growing Dendrobium Orchids in Hawai‘i: considerations throat of flower Production and Pest Management Guide. University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR. what is harvested: spray (raceme with storing raw lei materials: spray can be flowers), or individual flower on 2" stored for up to 14 days with cut end Northen, Rebecca T. 1990. Home Orchid of stem in water; individual flower can be Growing. 4th rev. ed. New York: Prentice stored for up to 14 days if stem is Hall Press. harvesting techniques: cut or snap spray wrapped with a piece of moist paper Orchid Society of South East Asia. 1993. close to the stem in a plastic bag; refrigerate both at Orchid Growing in the Tropics. Singapore: best time of day to harvest: 40°F Times Editions. early morning preparing for use in lei: clip stem if Teoh, Eng Soon. 1989. Orchids of Asia. sewing lei, keep stem if using other Singapore: Times Books International. lei patterns 110 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei orchid: epidendrum
other common names: baby orchid, current status in the wild in butterfly orchid, buttonhole orchid, hawai‘i: only one species has epis, ‘okika, reed orchid become naturalized in Hawai‘i: Epidendrum x obrienianum scientific name: Epidendrum species cultivars: over 1,000 species and family: Orchidaceae (orchid family) numerous hybrids and cultivars natural setting/location: tropical America and tropical West Africa
Growing your own
propagation form: aerial offshoot; seeds; division; mericloning (commercial growers purchase tissue-cultured plantlets in sterile flasks) pretreatment: pods are sterilized before aseptic culture; remove old leaves and bulbs from divisions planting depth: sow seeds on surface of aseptic medium; keep division root crown just below soil level germination time: 2–4 months
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: rock, orchid bark, hāpu‘u, cinder special cultural hints: management if grown in a pot, soil pH: 5.5–6.5 repot every 1–2 years; sterilize tools fertilizer needs: light to medium; var- between cuttings and remove old light: full sun ies among types medium; sanitation is important water: most prefer high humidity and recommended spacing: varies with plant suggested companion plantings: other daily irrigation size; generally 6–18" apart orchids and bromeliads temperature: 55–90°F adaptation to growing in containers: yes; elevation: 10–1000' beds, bags, plastic or clay pots salt tolerance: poor pruning: not necessary; remove old flower stalks and yellow or dead wind resistance: moderate to poor leaves Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 111 orchid: epidendrum
Plant characteristics height: to 4' spread: 8" growth rate: fast growth habit: upright, epiphytic flowers size: 1–2½" color: white, pink, purple, yellow, green, red, orange shape: star-shaped, 3 petals and 3 sepals fragrance: varies flowers in first year: yes, from cut- tings and divisions The lei shown also contains Peruvian lily, oncidium orchid, and laua‘e fern. flowering period: year-round time to flowering: 18–24 months from best way to transport from picking area: storing a completed lei before wearing: Introduced Perennials flask for some paper or cloth bag soak lei, shake off excess water, place in sealed plastic container, and inducing and maintaining flowering: keep avoid contact with these products: refrigerate healthy and give adequate light smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers; avoid extremes preserving a lei for long-term storage or pests of heat and cold display: cannot be preserved common diseases: Pythium and Phy- tophthora root rot, black rot, Col- Notes on lei making References and further letotrichum leaf spot (fungus), petal reading and blossom spot (fungi), bacterial best for which type of lei: neck, head, stem rot, cymbidium mosaic and wrist, ankle, horse Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual odontoglossum ringspot viruses vase life: 7 days Publishing. other pests: blossom midge, mites, cleaning of plant materials: soak flow- Simple Orchid Cul- orchid weevil, thrips Leonhardt, K.W. 1980. ers in clean water for 5 minutes after ture. University of Hawai‘i CTAHR, CES harvesting; check for insects stuck Circular 452. Harvesting in lip Northen, Rebecca T. 1990. Home Orchid considerations storing raw lei materials: place in Growing. 4th rev. ed. New York: Prentice sealed plastic container and refriger- Hall Press. what is harvested: flower with 1–2" of ate at 40°F for up to 14 days Orchid Society of South East Asia. 1993. stem Orchid Growing in the Tropics. Singapore: preparing for use in lei: clip stems if harvesting techniques: Times Editions. pluck flower sewing lei, keep stem if using other heads lei patterns Sessler, G.J. 1978. Orchids and How to Grow Them. New York: Prentice Hall Press. best time of day to harvest: early morning Teoh, Eng Soon. 1989. Orchids of Asia. Singapore: Times Books International. 112 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei orchid: vanda
other common names: ‘Miss Joaquim’, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: ‘okika, vanda not found scientific name: Vanda species cultivars: many readily available: ‘Miss Joaquim’ varieties include family: Orchidaceae Rose Marie, Josephine, John (orchid family) Laycoch; inbred cultivars include natural setting/location: Diane, Atherton, Shimomishi found worldwide
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteristics: form: cuttings; tissue culture; meri- soilless media, hāpu‘u, cloning; seeds (seeded plants are not gravel, cinder generally used in lei flower produc- soil pH: tion) 5.5–6.5 light: preplanting treatment: pods are steril- full sun ized before aseptic culture water: high humidity, planting depth: sow seeds on surface daily irrigation of aseptic medium; insert base of temperature: 75–85°F cutting 1–2" into medium (day), 65°F (night) germination time: 1–4 months elevation: 10–1000' cutting rooting time: 2–4 months salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: light to medium; varies among types recommended spacing: 8–12 plants per ft2 adaptation to growing in containers: yes; special cultural hints: replant when 6' hāpu‘u logs, plastic pots, polybags, tall; sterilize tools between cuttings or similar and remove old medium; sanitation pruning: as needed when plant be- is important comes too tall for harvesting; some suggested companion plantings: other growers remove summer and fall orchids flower spikes before they flower to encourage stronger winter flowering Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 113 orchid: vanda
Plant characteristics height: indeterminate, but cut and replant when plant reaches 6' spread: very confined; grows straight upward growth rate: fast growth habit: epiphytic flowers size: 2–3" color: purple shape: star-shaped, 3 petals and 3 sepals fragrance: yes, light preparing for use in lei: clip stem if flowers in first year: yes, from cut- Harvesting sewing lei, keep stem if not; check tings considerations to make sure pollinia are intact, flowering period: summer what is harvested: flower with 1–2" otherwise discard flower if it is of stem missing Introduced Perennials time to flowering: 8–12 months from cuttings harvesting techniques: don’t remove storing a completed lei before wearing: pollinia while hand picking; ethylene mist lei, shake off excess water, inducing and maintaining flowering: pro- gas from detached pollinia, fruits, place on top of damp newspaper in vide full sun and keep healthy and exhaust from internal combus- paper box, and refrigerate tion engines can cause flowers to preserving a lei for long-term storage or pests turn white prematurely display: cannot be preserved common diseases: Pythium and Phy- best time of day to harvest: tophthora root rot, black rot, Col- early morning References and further letotrichum leafspot (fungus), petal best way to transport from picking area: reading and blossom spot (fungi), bacterial paper or cloth bag stem rot, cymbidium mosaic and Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- odontoglossum ringspot viruses, avoid contact with these products: ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual foliar nematodes smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Publishing. other pests: mites, orchid weevil, and wilting flowers; avoid extremes Leonhardt, K.W. 1980. Simple Orchid Cul- scales, stink bugs, thrips of heat and cold ture. University of Hawai‘i CTAHR, CES Circular 452. Notes on lei making Northen, Rebecca T. 1990. Home Orchid Growing. 4th rev. ed. New York: Prentice best for which type of lei: neck, head, Hall Press. wrist, ankle, horse Orchid Society of South East Asia. 1993. Orchid Growing in theTropics. Singapore: cleaning of plant materials: soak flow- Times Editions. ers in clean water for 5 minutes after harvesting; check for insects in Teoh, Eng Soon. 1989. Orchids of Asia. throat of flower Singapore: Times Books International. storing raw lei materials: lay flowers on top of damp newspaper and cover with dry tissue; place in paper box and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 5 days 114 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pakalana
other common names: Chinese violet natural setting/location: native to Southeast Asia scientific name: Telosma cordata current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed family)
Growing your own elevation: 10–300' salt tolerance: poor propagation wind resistance: poor form: cuttings with 2–3 nodes; seeds; air layering management preplanting treatment: treat cuttings fertilizer needs: with medium rooting hormone medium planting depth: sow seeds on surface recommended spacing: 1 of medium or slightly ( ⁄8") below; 24–36" apart insert base of cutting 1–2" into adaptation to growing in medium containers: yes, 2- to germination time: 1 month 3-gallon tubs with cutting rooting time: 4–5 weeks support pruning: thin out old preferred production shoots to induce conditions new growth general soil characteristics: rich, well special cultural hints: drained provide a trellis or other support; can soil pH: 6.0–6.5 also be grown in light: sunny location a large pot raised above ground with water: keep moist; water deeply room for vines to twice a week hang down around it to allow for suggested companion plantings: grows temperature: 70–90°F for rapid flow- easy flower picking; flowers occur best without competition from other ering on new growth plants; in particular, it does not com- pete well with other vines Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 115 pakalana
Plant characteristics height: 8–10' spread: will spread to 3–4' wide if not supported growth rate: fast growth habit: vine flowers size: about ½" color: greenish yellow upon opening, turning orange with age shape: 5-lobed corollas on short tubes fragrance: similar to violets foliage texture: preparing for use in lei: smooth Harvesting clip stem and sew, unless making other styles, then color: considerations
dark green Introduced Perennials leave flowers on cluster shape: broad, heart-shaped what is harvested: flowers and some- storing a completed lei before wearing: fragrance: none times leaves (depending on lei type) soak lei, shake off excess water, harvesting techniques: cut or pinch wrap in a damp paper towel, place pests (don’t pull) individual flowers from in plastic or glass container, and cluster, leaving unopened buds refrigerate common diseases: root rots in wet soils, preserving a lei for long-term storage or nematodes, mosaic virus best time of day to harvest: early morning display: cannot be preserved other pests: mites, soft scales, stink bugs, thrips, whiteflies best way to transport from picking area: glass jar References and further avoid contact with these products: reading smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Criley, Richard A. 1995. “Temperature and wilting flowers Influences Flowering of Pakalana (Telosma cordata Merrill) under Long Days.” Hort- Science 30(3):482–483. Notes on lei making Criley, Richard A. 1989. “Some Advances best for which type of lei: neck, head, in Lei Flower Production.” Univ. of Hawaii, wrist, ankle CTAHR, Horticulture Digest 89:68. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- soak ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing. storing raw lei materials: wrap in a McDonald, Marie A. 1989. Ka Lei: the Leis damp paper towel, place in plastic of Hawaii. Honolulu: Ku Pa‘a Inc., and or glass container, and refrigerate at Press Pacifica. 40°F for up to 5 days 116 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei panax
other common names: fern-leaf aralia, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: parsley panax not found scientific name: Polyscias species cultivars: ‘Golden Prince’, ‘Ming Aralia’ family: Araliaceae (ginseng family) natural setting/location: India to Polynesia
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil form: cuttings; can also be grafted characteristics: well onto common hedge panax drained; tolerates preplanting treatment: treat with me- various soil types dium rooting hormone soil pH: 5.5–6.5 planting depth: insert base 1–2" into light: full sun to partial medium shade cutting rooting time: 4–6 weeks water: moderate temperature: 45–90°F elevation: 10–3000' salt tolerance: good wind resistance: good
management fertilizer needs: heavy recommended spacing: 24–36" apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 2-gallon tubs or larger pruning: prune to reduce size, special cultural hints: older plants can maintain shape, and keep full and be habitats for termites bushy suggested companion plantings: short, shade-loving plants Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 117 panax
Plant characteristics height: to 12' spread: to 3–4' growth rate: fast growth habit: erect, evergreen, woody shrub foliage texture: smooth, bumpy, feathery color: dark green or variegated shape: finely divided, compound with leaflets; various sizes and shapes fragrance: none pests The lei shown also contains Dracaena tricolor and a fern. common diseases: fungal root and stem rots, bacterial leaf spots, root-knot and reniform nematodes Notes on lei making References and further Introduced Perennials other pests: borers, mealybugs, rats, reading best for which type of lei: scales, termites (in older plants) neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. 1977. The Hawaii Garden: Tropical Shrubs. vase life: 14 days Harvesting Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. considerations cleaning of plant materials: cold water Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape soak Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: what is harvested: foliage Hawaii Floriculture. storing raw lei materials: wrap in damp harvesting techniques: cut newspaper and place in sealed plas- tic container; refrigerate at 40°F for best time of day to harvest: up to 30 days early morning preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- best way to transport from picking area: kled, limp, or poor-quality areas paper or cloth bag before adding to lei storing a completed lei before wearing: soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp newspaper, place in sealed plastic container, and refrigerate preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: air-dry 118 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pentas
other common names: Egyptian star- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: flower not found scientific name: Pentas lanceolata cultivars: none named, but red, rose, violet, and pink types have family: Rubiaceae (coffee family) been selected natural setting/location: Madagascar, tropical South Africa
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteris- form: seeds (purchase from seed tics: well-drained loam source); cuttings or sandy loam; in preplanting treatment: treat cuttings pots, 1:1 peat:perlite with mild rooting hormone soil pH: 5.5–6.5 planting depth: sow seeds on surface light: full sun or slightly (1⁄8") below; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium water: keep moist germination time: 5–12 days temperature: 50–90°F cutting rooting time: 3–4 weeks elevation: 10–2000' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: moderate–poor
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 12–18" apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 1- to 3-gallon tubs pruning: cut back to suggested companion plantings: globe 12–18" but not back to hard wood amaranth Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 119 pentas
Plant characteristics height: to 36" spread: to 36" growth rate: fast growth habit: spreading, woody, ever- green shrub flowers size: clusters of about 30 flowers 2–4" across; individual flower about 3⁄8" color: white, pink, red, red and pink, lilac shape: 5-petalled, star-shaped fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains ti, panax, and aster. flowering period: year-round, heaviest in summer Introduced Perennials Harvesting storing raw lei materials: store in sealed time to flowering: about 8–10 weeks considerations container and refrigerate at 40°F for from rooted cutting, about 4 months up to 4 days what is harvested: flower cluster with from seed preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- 1–2" of stem inducing and maintaining flowering: to kled, limp, or poor-quality areas induce more flowering shoots, pinch harvesting techniques: pluck flowers before adding to lei the young shoots to leave 2 or 3 best time of day to harvest: storing a completed lei before wearing: pairs of nodes; remove spent flowers early morning soak for 30 minutes, drip dry, storein sealed container, and refrigerate best way to transport from picking area: pests plastic bag preserving a lei for long-term storage or common diseases: display: cannot be preserved Botrytis on the flow- avoid contact with these products: ers, southern blight smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, other pests: aphids, caterpillars, and wilting flowers Reference and further mites, whiteflies reading
Notes on lei making Nau, Jim. 1993. Ball Culture Guide: The Encyclopedia of Seed Germination. 2nd ed., best for which type of lei: neck, head, p. 50–51. Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. wrist, ankle, horse cleaning of plant materials: stick stem in water. 120 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pikake—
other common names: jasmine, lei- current status in the wild in hawai‘i: pïkake, sampaguita (Philippines), typically not found single-flowered star jasmine cultivars: ‘Grand Duke’ is a double scientific name: Jasminum sambac form used in haku lei family: Oleaceae (olive family) natural setting/location: native to tropical Asia
Growing your own
propagation form: cuttings from 1-year-old wood preplanting treatment: treat with mild rooting hormone planting depth: insert base 1–2" into medium cutting rooting time: 2–3 weeks under mist
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained, silty clay loam soil pH: 6–6.5 elevation: 10–25' ideal; cool night adaptation to growing in containers: not breezes in valleys may retard flower- recommended light: full sun; long days produce ing and reduce amount and size of pruning: prune to increase branch- more flowers blossoms; can be grown at higher ing and flowering (flowers emerge water: elevations (500') moderate irrigation (1"/week); from terminal tips) and to facilitate allow to dry between waterings; salt tolerance: moderate easy harvesting; suckers should be water entire root system pruned, because they are unproduc- wind resistance: moderate (wind may temperature tive : 80–90°F (days), 70– damage flowers) 80°F (nights); if night temperatures special cultural hints: long days and drop below 70s, flower number management high temperature favor high produc- and size will be adversely affected; tion and large flowers, while short temperatures in low 60s will cause fertilizer needs: medium days and cold temperature reduce plants to cease flowering until higher recommended spacing: flower size and amount of flowering temperatures return; one night of 1–1½' within low temperature may shut down rows, 5–6' between rows; grown as flowering for as long as 1–2 weeks a hedge Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 121 pikake—
Plant characteristics height: 6' spread: 24–36" wide growth rate: moderate to slow in winter growth habit: shrub with some runners or suckers flowers size: ½–¾" color: cream-white shape: oval bud (unopened), star- shaped (open) fragrance: distinctive, very strong, sweet; used for flavoring teas (jas- mine tea) and as a perfume pests Notes on lei making flowers in first year: yes common diseases: powdery mildew, best for which type of lei: neck, head, flowering period: under natural condi- mosaic virus, nematodes; root rot wrist, ankle Introduced Perennials tions, moderate flowering can be ex- and southern blight can be a problem cleaning of plant materials: pected during the months of March– with clay soil, poor drainage, and no water September; long days produce more high rainfall storing raw lei materials: store in sealed flowers other pests: Hawaiian flower thrips, plastic container and refrigerate at time to flowering: bushes are pruned blossom midge, broad mite, carmine 40°F for up to 3 days back with hedge trimmers to 1-year- spider mite, whiteflies; because buds preparing for use in lei: remove calyx old wood, or leaves are stripped by are produced at tips, broad mite (green, leafy base), then sew hand, causing plants to flower in damage can severely decrease the storing a completed lei before wear- 30 days during the hottest months amount of flowers produced; flower ing: and 45 days during spring and late thrips and blossom midge attack wrap lei in wax paper, place in summer; this flowering will continue buds and can affect postharvest sealed plastic container, and refriger- for 7–12 days, and if plants are very quality ate; no water healthy, it will continue for up to 20 preserving a lei for long-term storage or days display: cannot be preserved Harvesting inducing and maintaining flowering: force considerations flowering during winter months by References and further what is harvested: enclosing plants in a plastic structure flower buds (opened reading to increase temperature; warm air is flowers are not usually sold for lei) captured in the structure, inducing harvesting techniques: pick at bud Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- flowering by increasing night tem- ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual stage; avoid handling too much (the peratures; covering should be closed Publishing. delicate flowers are easily bruised) at least 1–2 hours before sunset; Leonhardt, K.W., and G.I. Teves. 2002. best time of day to harvest: covering should be opened by early early to “Pïkake, a Fragrant-Flowered Plant for to mid-morning to avoid over-heat- mid-morning, depending on time of Landscapes and Lei Production.” University ing; flowers grown in covered area year of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, OF-29. will be larger and whiter than open best way to transport from picking area: field-grown plants cloth, paper bag, or paper box avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 122 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pincushion protea
other common names: sunburst, Ha- natural setting/location: South Af- waiian sunflower rica; adapted to cool, dry areas of Maui and Hawai‘i above 1500 feet scientific name: Leucospermum elevation saxosum, L. erubescens, L. bolusii, L. oleifolium, L. mundii, L. muirii, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: L. parile, L. rodolentum not found family: Proteaceae (protea family; includes macadamia)
Growing your own
propagation form: tip cuttings 6" long, taken in Sept.–Oct. after growth stops preplanting treatment: use a medium- strength rooting hormone planting depth: insert base of cuttings 1½–2" into medium cutting rooting time: 2–3 months under mist
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well drained soil pH: 5.5–6.5 special cultural hints: cuttings are light: sunny location management slow to root, and intermittent mist water: twice weekly for established fertilizer needs: light; fertilize spar- is essential for successful propaga- plants, more often for new plantings ingly; sensitive to P tion; rooted cuttings are moved to 4–6" pots and grown for 4–6 months temperature: 40–90°F recommended spacing: 4–6' apart in before transplanting; in the field, field, depending on species elevation: 1500–4000' specialized “proteoid” roots are mat- adaptation to growing in containers: ted near the soil surface and can be salt tolerance: poor yes, 5-gallon tubs damaged by shallow cultivation wind resistance: moderate to good pruning: prune after flowering to suggested companion plantings: any low- maintain size, remove dead or dis- growing, cool-climate perennials eased wood, and stimulate vigorous new shoots Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 123 pincushion protea
Plant characteristics height: 2–3', depending on species spread: 3–5', depending on species growth rate: reaches ideal production size 3 years after transplanting growth habit: mounding shrub flowers size: single flowers up to 2½" for L. saxosum; other species have 1–1½" flowers singly or in clusters color: much variation among species; yellow-orange, pink, red, yellow- green, and cream-white can occur shape: most species have “pincush- ion” shape fragrance: in L. bolusii, muirii, parile, rodolentum The protea used in the lei shown is Leucospermum oleifolium; the lei also contains flowers of Grevillea wilsonii and Lambertia inermis. Introduced Perennials flowers in first year: under optimal conditions, flowers within 1 year after transplanting to the field Notes on lei making References and further flowering period: fall–winter–spring reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, inducing and maintaining flowering: 3–4 wrist, ankle, horse, hat Kepler, Angela K., and Jacob Mau. 1988. weeks of 50°F winter night tempera- Proteas in Hawaii. Honolulu: Mutual Pub- cleaning of plant materials: ture results in best flowering for single- lishing. strand lei, trim off stems close to flower head; for haku or wili style, Rousseau, F. 1970. The Proteaceae of South pests remove stems if too thick or stiff Africa. Cape Town: Purnell and Sons, Ltd. common diseases: root rot, collar rot, storing raw lei materials: cover flow- leaf spots, Botrytis, root-knot nema- ers with moist paper towels or stick tode stems in water-soaked “oasis,” other pests: aphids and scales if plant refrigerate at 40°F, store for 5–14 is under stress, otherwise relatively days, depending on species free of insects and mites preparing for use in lei: for single- strand lei, stringing can be easier Harvesting after drilling through center of flow- considerations erhead; for haku or wili style, wire flowers together for easier handling what is harvested: flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: harvesting technique: cut or pluck wrap in moist paper towels and refrigerate best time of day to harvest: early morning preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved best way to transport from picking area: plastic bag 124 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei plumeria
other common names: frangipani, natural setting/location: native to make-man, melia, pua melia, tropical America temple tree current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: Plumeria species not found and cultivars cultivars: many named cultivars, family: Apocynaceae some with better flower shelflife (dogbane family) than others
Growing your own
handling cautions: milky sap may ir- ritate eyes and skin
propagation form: tip cuttings 6–36" long; seeds (seedlings take longer to flower) preplanting treatment: allow end of cutting to air-dry at least 24 hours; mild rooting hormone speeds rooting planting depth: sow seeds ¼–½" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 2–4" into medium, or more if large germination time: 2 weeks cutting rooting time: 2 months
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: special cultural hints: well drained management keep on dry side, especially in container; in field, plant soil pH: 6.0–6.5 fertilizer needs: medium to heavy; var- branched cuttings with axils set low light: full sun ies among cultivars to the ground for low branching and easier flower harvest; provide 5–7 water: keep moist recommended spacing: 6–10' within the row and 12–15' between rows gallons/day irrigation water per tree, temperature: 60–90°F covering whole root system adaptation to growing in containers: yes, elevation: suggested companion plantings: 10–2000' large containers during the first few years, annuals can be salt tolerance: moderate pruning: easiest in winter, but it sac- planted between trees wind resistance: good (if tree is rifices spring flowering; prune back healthy) for easier flower harvest Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 125 plumeria
Plant characteristics height: to 30' spread: 30' growth rate: fast growth habit: round-headed, small tree flowers size: average 2–3" in diameter color: white, red, yellow, pink, mul- tiple shape: tubular flower with 5 petals fragrance: most varieties highly fra- grant, with different scents flowers in first year: from cutting: 1 year; from seed: 3 years The lei shown also contains dendrobium orchid. flowering period: most cultivars flower March–October best way to transport from picking area: preserving a lei for long-term storage or Introduced Perennials time to flowering: maturity after about paper box or bag display: cannot be preserved 5 years avoid contact with these products: inducing and maintaining flowering: in dry smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, References and further areas, irrigation will promote flower- and wilting flowers ing; defoliation in fall with ethephon reading will stimulate emergence of inflores- cences as early as December Chinn, James T., and Richard A. Criley. Notes on lei making 1982. Plumeria Cultivars in Hawaii. Uni- versity of Hawai‘i, CTAHR Research Bul- best for which type of lei: pests neck, head, letin 158. wrist, ankle, horse common diseases: plumeria rust, Colle- Criley, Richard. 1998. “Plumeria.” Univer- cleaning of plant materials: totrichum leafspot and shoot blight, soak the sity of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, OF-24. flower in clean water for no more powdery mildew on leaves, fungal Criley, Richard. 1994. “Enhanced Winter rots than 10 minutes Flowering of Plumeria with Ethephon.” Acta storing raw lei materials: Horticulturae 394: 325–330. other pests: ants, blossom midge, place flowers long-horned beetles, mites, scales, in a bowl or sink, cover container Eggenberger, Richard M., and Mary H. thrips, whiteflies with a light-weight, damp towel; Eggenberger. 1994. Handbook on Plumeria can be refrigerated or left at room Culture. 3rd ed. Houston, Texas: The Plu- temperature meria People. Harvesting preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual before adding to lei Publishing. what is harvested: open flowers Watson, Donald P., James T. Chinn, Horace storing a completed lei before wearing: harvesting techniques: grasp individual F. Clay, and James L. Brewbaker. 1965. soak lei, shake off all excess water, Hawaiian Plumerias flowers at base and tug gently . University of Hawai‘i, drip dry, then place in paper box; CTAHR, CES Circular 410. best time of day to harvest: can be refrigerated for 2 days or left early morning at room temperature for 1 day 126 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pohutukawa (New Zealand Ma¯ori)
other common names: New Zealand current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Christmas tree not found scientific name: cultivars: various Metrosideros excelsus family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family) natural setting/location: coastal zones of New Zealand
Growing your own
propagation form: seeds; semi-hardwood cuttings; air layering preplanting treatment: air-dry capsules, allow seeds to fall from them; use medium to strong rooting hormone on cuttings planting depth: sow seeds on surface; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 30–60 days at 60–70°F cutting rooting time: 9 months or more; best results with bottom heat preferred production management conditions fertilizer needs: medium general soil characteristics: tolerates recommended spacing: most soil types 20' apart if tree form is desired soil pH: less than 6.5 adaptation to growing in containers: yes, light: full sun when young, in large containers water: keep moist; somewhat pruning: prune to reduce size and drought-tolerant once established induce low branches; prune after temperature: 40–90°F flowering suggested companion plantings: elevation: 10–3000'; best along coast; low- sensitive to dry air growing plants salt tolerance: good; will tolerate both salt spray and saline soil wind resistance: good Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 127 pohutukawa (New Zealand Ma¯ori)
Plant characteristics height: more than 30' spread: 20–30' growth rate: slow growth habit: broad, oval, evergreen tree or large shrub flowers size: 1½" color: dark crimson (rare yellow and white forms exist) shape: staminate, pompom-like fragrance: none flowers in first year: no flowering period: summer The lei shown also contains goldenrod. time to flowering: from seed, 5–7
years; from air layer, 1 year; no Introduced Perennials information for cutting preparing for use in lei: Harvesting clip off wrin- foliage considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei texture: extremely variable, from what is harvested: branch tips (liko), storing a completed lei before wearing: smooth and waxy to fuzzy flowers, and bud clusters soak lei for 5 minutes, drip dry, color: dark gray-green on top, silvery harvesting techniques: cut place in paper box, and refrigerate underneath best time of day to harvest: preserving a lei for long-term storage or shape: simple, oval to ovate early morning display: air-dry flowers; liko and bud clusters cannot be preserved fragrance: none best way to transport from picking area: plastic bag pests avoid contact with these products: References and further reading common diseases: none serious smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers other pests: none serious Editors of Sunset Books and Sunset Maga- zine. 1995. Sunset Western Garden Book. Notes on lei making 6th ed. Menlo Park, California: Sunset Pub. Corp. best for which type of lei: neck, head, Metcalf, Lawrie. 1995. The Propagation of wrist, ankle, horse New Zealand Native Plants. Auckland, New Zealand: Godwit Publishing Ltd. vase life: 7 days Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. cleaning of plant materials: cold water Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- soak tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. storing raw lei materials: store in paper box in refrigerator at 40°F for up to 14 days 128 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei pua kenikeni
other common names: ten-cent flower natural setting/location: native to South Pacific islands scientific name: Fagraea berteriana current status in the wild in hawai‘i: family: Loganiaceae not found (logania family)
Growing your own
propagation form: air layering (most commonly used); seeds planting depth: sow seeds ½" deep in medium germination time: 30–90 days air layering rooting time: 6–8 weeks
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: rich, well drained soil pH: 5.5–6.5 light: full sun water: keep moist temperature: special cultural hints: 60–90°F management flowers on new growth; don’t overfertilize elevation: 10–1000' fertilizer needs: medium suggested companion plantings: low- salt tolerance: moderate recommended spacing: 15' x 15' growing shade plants wind resistance: moderate adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 5-gallon tubs or larger pruning: prune to keep within picking height and to produce new shoots for flowering Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 129 pua kenikeni
Plant characteristics height: up to 25' spread: 15' growth rate: fast growth habit: upright, small tree or shrub flowers size: 2½" long to 1" wide color: cream colored, changing to orange shape: tubular fragrance: sweet flowers in first year: yes, from air layering flowering period: year-round, heaviest in summer Introduced Perennials time to flowering: 9 months from air Notes on lei making References and further layering, at least 5 years from seed reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, inducing and maintaining flowering: wrist, ankle Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- withhold water to induce flowering ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual cleaning of plant materials: no water Publishing. pests storing raw lei materials: store at room Neal, Marie C. 1965. In Gardens of Hawaii. temperature for up to 1 day for common diseases: leaf spots, fungal root Bernice P. Bishop Museum Special Publica- orange flowers, 2 days for yellow, tion 50. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. rots, root-knot nematode and 3 days for white; no water; to Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape other pests: mealybugs, scales, thrips remove thrips from flowers, wrap in Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: wet newspaper, then seal in plastic Hawaii Floriculture. container and place in ice-cold water Harvesting preparing for use in lei: depends on considerations style; clip bottom at 45° angle, then sew lei, or clip calyx and sew what is harvested: flowers and calyx storing a completed lei before wearing: (green, leafy base) lay wet cloth or paper towel over harvesting techniques: break stem with lei or put lei in plastic bag and float flower, leaving calyx on the blossom over cold water; do not refrigerate best time of day to harvest: preserving a lei for long-term storage or early morning display: cannot be preserved best way to transport from picking area: basket lined with ti leaf avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers 130 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei rose
other common names: loke, lokelani, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: loke-lau (green rose), roselani not found (heavenly rose) cultivars: many new cultivars can scientific name: Rosa cultivars out-perform old-fashioned stan- dards; choose from miniature family: Rosaceae (rose family) roses, floribunda, shrub roses, natural setting/location: polyantha, and landscape types for Asia, Asia Minor lei flower use; check commercial catalogs for available cultivars
Growing your own elevation: 10–3500' salt tolerance: handling cautions: thorns on stems poor wind resistance: moderate propagation (strong winds dehydrate plants) form: cuttings; air layering; grafting pretreatment: treat cuttings with me- management dium rooting hormone fertilizer needs: medium planting depth: insert base of cutting to heavy; varies among 1–2" into medium; set grafted plants types with graft union above soil level recommended spacing: cutting rooting time: 1 month or longer, 2' apart in rows depending on type adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 3-gallon preferred production tubs or larger conditions pruning: as flowers are general soil characteristics: rich in harvested, the stem organic matter, well drained, sandy usually is cut back to to sandy loam; in pots, medium in the second 5-leaflet leaf 1:1:1 ratio of soil, sphagnum or peat above its point of origin; moss, and perlite or coarse cinder when plants get too tall or soil pH: 6.0–6.5 aisles too narrow, renewal pruning is practiced by light: full sunlight to partial shade heading them back; pruning to keep special cultural hints: various pro- water: keep moist the plant’s center open lets sunlight duction difficulties; a crop for the in and prevents black spot and other experienced grower temperature: 50–90°F blights Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 131 rose
Plant characteristics height: to 6' spread: to 4' growth rate: depends on cultivar growth habit: shrub flowers size: buds are from 3⁄8–1¼"; flowers borne 1 per stem or in clusters color: pink, white, red, yellow, laven- der, green bi-color shape: bud pointed to urn-shaped fragrance: yes, varies flowers in first year: yes ö flowering period: year-round The lei shown also contains heliconia and ‘ hi‘a lehua. time to flowering: from transplants and
cuttings, flowers are produced on Introduced Perennials best time of day to harvest: storing a completed lei before wearing: new shoots about 45–55 days after early the shoot develops from a pruning morning soak lei, shake off excess water, store in sealed plastic bag or con- cut best way to transport from picking area: tainer, and refrigerate inducing and maintaining flowering: ap- paper bag preserving a lei for long-term storage or proximately 55 days from pruning to avoid mixing with these products/condi- display: air-dry buds only flower tions: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers; avoid excessive heat pests References and further common diseases: powdery mildew, reading downy mildew, blackspot, root rot, Notes on lei making rust, anthracnose, nematodes, vi- There are many cultural guides for cut-rose production. The American Rose Society ruses, Botrytis blight (flowers), stem best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse publishes a monthly magazine and annual canker yearbook, available in some libraries. vase life: other pests: aphids, caterpillars, 6 days Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- Chinese rose beetle, flower thrips, cleaning of plant materials: place in ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual grasshoppers, mealybugs, spider clean, warm water (105–110°F) after Publishing. mites, scales harvesting Pemberton, H.B., J.W. Kelly, and J. Ferare. 1997. Production of Pot Roses. Portland, storing raw lei materials: place in Oregon: Timber Press. Harvesting sealed plastic bag or container and considerations refrigerate at 32–35°F for up to 14 Sascalis, John N. 1993. Cut Flowers, Pro- days longing Freshness. Batavia, Illinois: Ball what is harvested: buds or partially Publishing. preparing for use in lei: open flowers, with or without stems clip off wrin- Watson, D.P., P.E. Parvin, and R.A. Criley. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas be- harvesting techniques: cut 1972. Rose Growing in Hawaii. University of fore adding to lei; pick off damaged Hawai‘i, CTAHR, CES Circular 468. outer petals 132 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei shinobu
other common names: davallia, rab- natural setting/location: bit’s foot fern Eastern Hemisphere tropics scientific name: Davallia species current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found family: Davalliaceae (fern family)
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil form: rhizome cuttings characteristics: well preplanting treatment: rooting hormone drained, organic not needed soil planting depth: place on surface soil pH: 5.5–6.5 cutting rooting time: 8 weeks light: partial shade water: regular, deep watering temperature: 50–90°F elevation: 10–2000' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: light recommended spacing: 2–3' apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, special cultural hints: mature fronds baskets with hāpu‘u or sphagnum last longer than if the delicate, im- moss mature ones are used pruning: remove old fronds suggested companion plantings: tall trees for shade Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 133 shinobu
Plant characteristics height: 20" spread: 5–8' growth rate: moderate growth habit: running fern foliage texture: fine color: dark green shape: fern-like fragrance: none pests common diseases: crown and foot rot, lesion nematodes other pests: fern caterpillar The lei shown also contains cup-and-saucer plant and statice. Introduced Perennials
Harvesting Notes on lei making storing a completed lei before wearing: considerations soak lei, drip dry, place in sealed best for which type of lei: what is harvested: fronds neck, head, container, and refrigerate or place in wrist, ankle, horse damp newspaper and store in room harvesting techniques: cut, don’t pull temperature vase life: 7 days best time of day to harvest: preserving a lei for long-term storage or cleaning of plant materials: cold water early morning display: air-dry (becomes brittle) soak best way to transport from picking area: storing raw lei materials: paper or cloth bag either refrig- erate in sealed container at 40°F for References and further avoid contact with these products: none up to 14 days or soak stems in water reading known without refrigeration Hoshizaki, Barbara J. 1976. Fern Growers preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. kled, limp, or poor-quality areas Keeble, T., H. Clay, D. Crater, and G. Smith. before adding to lei 1975. Growing Ferns. University of Georgia, CES Bulletin 737. 134 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei shrimp plant (white and yellow)
other common names: squirrel’s tail natural setting/location: Malaysia westward to Africa scientific name: Justicia betonica (white); J. brandegeana (yellow current status in the wild in hawai‘i: J. and red) betonica found naturalized along roadsides, J. brandegeana not family: Acanthaceae found (acanthus family)
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteristics: form: cuttings; seeds (only J. bet- rich, well-drained soils; onica) tolerant of many soil pretreatment: none types soil pH: planting depth: sow seeds on surface 6.0–7.0 or slightly (1⁄8") below; insert base of light: full sun to partial cutting 1–2” into medium, use mild shade rooting hormone water: keep moist germination time: undetermined temperature: 60–90°F cutting rooting time: 10–21 days elevation: 10–500' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 2–3' apart adaptation to growing in containers: yes, 1-gallon tubs or larger special cultural hints: white shrimp plant has potential of becoming a pruning: established plants will serious weed if left unchecked; do tolerate severe cutback not plant near native landscapes Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 135 shrimp plant (white and yellow)
Plant characteristics
height: 2–5' spread: 2–3' growth rate: moderate growth habit: weak-stemmed shrub
flowers size: flower spike to 6" long color: J. betonica has green and white bracts, J. brandegeana has red or yellow bracts shape: oval, pointed fragrance: none flowers in first year: yes The lei shown also contains bougainvillea. flowering period: year-round, heaviest in summer Introduced Perennials time to flowering: from cutting, 3–4 Notes on lei making ALERT: Justicia betonica can be an months invasive species and cause problems in best for which type of lei: neck, head, agricultural areas in Hawai‘i. It scores inducing and maintaining flowering: flow- wrist, ankle, horse a rating of 12 on the Hawai‘i–Pacific ers on terminals or new growth; Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). The prune to keep plants in bounds and cleaning of plant materials: cold water HPWRA predicts whether any given encourage new growth soak plant is at low or high risk of becoming storing raw lei materials: wrap in damp invasive in Hawai‘i or similar Pacific pests newspaper and refrigerate at 40°F islands, and is about 95% accurate. Any for up to 5 days common diseases: none score above 6 indicates the potential for preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- invasiveness, though there are varying other pests: none serious kled, limp, or poor-quality areas levels of concern. The HPWRA score before adding to lei does not necessarily mean you should Harvesting storing a completed lei before wearing: remove established plants from urban considerations soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp landscapes or avoid planting them at newspaper, store in sealed plastic all, but Justicia species should not be what is harvested: new, short inflores- container, and refrigerate introduced to areas where they are not cences or tips of longer ones already growing. J. betonica already preserving a lei for long-term storage or harvesting techniques: naturalized in some places on all the the plant is display: air-dry brittle; use snips to cut the flower major islands. The plant spreads by spikes seed. If fertile material is used, lei should not be discarded in areas where best time of day to harvest: References and further J. betonica is not naturalized and where reading early morning the seeds can germinate and grow. Use best way to transport from picking area: Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape of native plants or non-native, non- paper bag Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: invasive species in lei will minimize Hawaii Floriculture. the spread of weeds. See the Plant Pono avoid contact with these products: smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Odenwald, Neil G., and James R. Turner. website for more information about and wilting flowers 1980. Plants for the South: A Guide to potentially invasive species: Landscape Design. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: http://www.plantpono.org. Claitor’s Publishing Division. 136 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei Spanish moss
other common names: Dole’s beard, natural setting/location: Florida, hinahina, ‘umi‘umi-o-Dole Central and South America scientific name: Tillandsia usneoides current status in the wild in hawai‘i: typically not found family: Bromeliaceae (pineapple family)
Growing your own recommended spacing: on hangers spaced 18" apart adaptation to growing in propagation containers: can be grown form: vegetative clump divisions on trees or hanging from artificial supports such as planting depth: none; drape on tree clothes hangers branches or hangers special cultural hints: provide preferred production good air movement and conditions daily misting; can be har- vested in 3–6 months general soil characteristics: none; an epiphyte (air plant) suggested companion plantings: can be hung on trees or light: full sun to partial shade grown above smaller plants water: daily misting temperature: 40–90°F Plant characteristics elevation: 10–3000' salt tolerance: moderate height: hanging clusters up to 15' long wind resistance: moderate spread: up to 1' in diameter management growth rate: fast fertilizer needs: none required, but a growth habit: mosslike, very diluted liquid fertilizer can be herbaceous applied occasionally as a foliar spray foliage pests texture: fuzzy common diseases: rot can develop in color: silver with bluish cast thick bunches where there is poor air circulation; fungal root rot shape: short, needle-like other pests: none known fragrance: none Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 137 Spanish moss
Harvesting considerations what is harvested: clumps harvesting techniques: cut or pull best time of day to harvest: any time best way to transport from picking area: brown paper or cloth bag
Notes on lei making best for which type of lei: neck, head, wrist, ankle, horse cleaning of plant materials: spray with water. storing raw lei materials: place clumps on damp newspaper in paper or plas- tic container and refrigerate at 40°F The lei shown also contains pua kenikeni. for up to 30 days
preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Introduced Perennials kled, limp, or poor-quality areas References and further remove established plants from urban before adding to lei reading landscapes or avoid planting them at all, but T. usneoides should not be in- storing a completed lei before wearing: Clay, Horace F., and James C. Hubbard. troduced to areas where it is not already soak, drip dry, place on damp news- 1977. The Hawaii Garden: Tropical Exot- growing. Eight species of Tillandsia paper in paper or plastic container, ics. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. have already naturalized in some places and refrigerate; or, leave hanging Ide, Laurie S. 1998. Hawaiian Lei Mak- on O‘ahu and Maui. Wind and birds can outside in well-ventilated area, spray ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual with water spread the seeds, and the plant can re- Publishing. produce by runners. If T. usneoides is preserving a lei for long-term storage or Rauh, Wermer. 1979. Bromeliads for Home, used in lei, seeds should be removed display: air-dry Garden and Greenhouse. Dorset, England: first if possible. If fertile material is Blandford Press. used, lei should not be discarded in ar- eas where T. usneoides is not natural- ized and where the seeds can germinate ALERT: Tillandsia usneoides could be and grow. Use of native plants or non- an invasive species and cause problems native, non-invasive species in lei will in natural areas in Hawai‘i. It scores minimize the spread of weeds. See the a rating of 12 on the Hawai‘i–Pacific Plant Pono website for more informa- Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). The tion about potentially invasive species: HPWRA predicts whether any given http://www.plantpono.org. plant is at low or high risk of becoming invasive in Hawai‘i or similar Pacific islands and is about 95% accurate. Any score above 6 indicates the potential for invasiveness though there are varying levels of concern. The HPWRA score does not necessarily mean you should 138 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei statice
other common names: sea lavender natural setting/location: southeast and central Europe, Mediterranean scientific name: Limonium latifolium (perennial); L. sinuatum (annual) current status in the wild in hawai‘i: not found family: Plumbaginaceae (plumbago family) cultivars: Fortress series, ‘Avignon’
Growing your own preferred production conditions propagation general soil characteristics: form: seeds (purchase from a seed well drained and high in source); division (of perennial form) calcium planting depth: sow seeds on medium soil pH: 6.5–7.5 surface (or slightly below); keep light: division root crown just below soil full sun level water: keep moist germination time: 5–15 days at temperature: 60–90°F 65–70°F for L. latifolium and 60°F elevation: for L. sinuatum 10–3500' salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor
management fertilizer needs: medium recommended spacing: 14–18" apart adaptation to growing in con- tainers: yes, 2-gallon tubs or larger, but planting in the ground is better pruning: not necessary special cultural hints: start with seed- lings with 5–6 leaves; good drain- age is critical; cool temperature will induce flowering inL. sinuatum suggested companion plantings: bedding plants Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 139 statice
Plant characteristics
height: L. latifolium to 24", L. sinuatum to 24–36" at flowering spread: 12–24" growth rate: L. latifolium slow, L. sinuatum fast growth habit: upright clumps
flowers size: ¼", borne in 3–5" clusters color: L. latifolium: blue, white, pink; L. sinuatum: blue, lavender, white- pink shape: cup-shaped fragrance: none The lei shown also contains hydrangea, baby’s breath, panax, and bougainvillea. flowers in first year: L. latifolium, few flowers first year (3–4 years to best time of day to harvest: storing a completed lei before wearing:
maturity); L. sinuatum will flower in Introduced Perennials first year early morning mist lei, shake off excess water, place on dry newspaper in paper best way to transport from picking area: flowering period: L. latifolium sum- box, and refrigerate mer; L. sinuatum April–October plastic container with water preserving a lei for long-term storage or avoid contact with these products: time to flowering: L. sinuatum 3–5 display: air-dry months after sowing smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, and wilting flowers inducing and maintaining flowering: cool References and further temperature required for young reading plants to flower Notes on lei making Armitage, Allan M. 1993. Specialty Cut best for which type of lei: neck, head, pests Flowers, The Production of Annuals, Peren- wrist, ankle, horse nials, Bulbs, and Woody Plants for Fresh common diseases: root rot in wet soils; cleaning of plant materials: place stems and Dried Cut Flowers. Portland, Oregon: leaf spots (various diseases); Botrytis in water; dust off field dust and clip Varsity Press and Timber Press. in flowers in wet areas off wrinkled, limp, or poor-quality Harada, Daijiro. 1998. “Limonium.” In: The other pests: aphids, chewing insects areas before adding to lei Ball RedBook, 16th ed., p. 630–633. Batavia, Illinois: Ball Publishing. storing raw lei materials: refrigerate at 40°F for up to 14 days Sascalis, John N. 1993. Cut Flowers, Pro- Harvesting longing Freshness. Batavia, Illinois: Ball considerations preparing for use in lei: cut flowers with Publishing. stems about 1–2" long and place in Stevens, Alan B. 1997. Field Grown Cut what is harvested: flowering stems paper container with no water; do from base of plant Flowers, A Practical Guide and Sourcebook; not wet heads Commercial Field Grown, Fresh and Dried harvesting techniques: harvest when Cut Flower Production. Edgerton, Wiscon- most flowers are open and showing sin: Avatar’s World. color Still, Steven M. 1994. Manual of Herba- ceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing Co. 140 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei stephanotis
other common names: floradora, natural setting/location: Madagascar jasmine, pua male, native to Madagascar waxflower current status in the wild in hawai‘i: scientific name: not found Marsdenia floribunda family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed family)
Growing your own
propagation form: seeds; cuttings of semi-mature wood (roots form at nodes) pretreatment: remove fiber from seeds; treat cuttings with medium rooting hormone planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 1–2" into medium germination time: 2 weeks cutting rooting time: 4–6 weeks
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: rich, well drained
soil pH: pruning 5.5–6.5 management : older plants may become light: full sun straggly, therefore prune to manage fertilizer needs: medium size and shape and to induce flower- water: keep moist recommended spacing: 36" apart in rows ing temperature: 65–90°F special cultural hints: adaptation to growing in containers: yes, provide trellis elevation: 10–1000' large containers or other support; let dry between waterings salt tolerance: moderate wind resistance: good Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 141 stephanotis
Plant characteristics
height: limited to height of support spread: 6–15', limited by length of support growth rate: slow to establish, fast when established growth habit: vine
flowers size: to 2" long color: white shape: tubular fragrance: sweet, strong flowers in first year: from cutting, yes; from seed, no flowering period: April–July and spo- best way to transport from picking area: References and further radically during the rest of the year; paper bag reading flowering can be forced with lights Introduced Perennials avoid contact with these products: Anonymous. 1979. “Seasonable Sugges- time to flowering: 10–12 weeks after smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, tions.” Florists’ Review 164 (4259):97–98. pruning if night temperature remains and wilting flowers above 72°F Evans, Michael, 1993. “Stephanotis.” Grow- erTalks 57(1):17. inducing and maintaining flowering: to Notes on lei making Hawaiian Lei Mak- induce winter flowering, provide Ide, Laurie S. 1998. ing: Step-by-Step Guide. Honolulu: Mutual light as a night-break interruption best for which type of lei: neck, head, Publishing. for 4–6 hours at 20 watts per square wrist, ankle, horse yard of vine for 8 weeks in October– Kofranek, Anton M., and John Kubota. 1981. November cleaning of plant materials: cold water “The Influence of Pruning and of Extending soak the Photoperiod on the Winter Flowering of Stephanotis floribunda.” Acta Horticulturae pests storing raw lei materials: store in sealed 128:69–78. plastic container and refrigerate at common diseases: root-knot nematode 40°F for up to 7 days Kofranek, Anton M., and Richard A. Criley. 1983. “Photoperiod and Temperature Effects other pests: aphids, mealybugs, spider preparing for use in lei: cut blossom on Stephanotis Flowering.” Acta Horticul- mites, scale, thrips stem to length desired for lei fullness turae 147:211–218. storing a completed lei before wearing: Wikesjo, Karl. 1982. “Cultivation of Harvesting mist lei, shake off excess water, the Stephanotis.” Florists’ Review 170 considerations place in sealed plastic container, and (4409):44, 156. refrigerate what is harvested: flowers preserving a lei for long-term storage or harvesting techniques: pinch from vine display: cannot be preserved best time of day to harvest: early morning 142 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei tree heliotrope
other common names: beach helio- natural setting/location: Indian and trope, messerschmidia, tahinu Pacific Ocean coastal areas scientific name: current status in the wild in hawai‘i: Tournefortia argentea common in coastal areas family: Boraginaceae (borage family)
Growing your own
propagation form: seeds; cuttings 6–12" long (hardened wood or green wood, but green wood is more prone to rot- ting); air layering preplanting treatment: use medium rooting hormone on cuttings planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in medium; insert base of cutting 2–4" into medium germination time: 2–4 weels cutting rooting time: 3–6 weeks
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: sandy, well drained elevation: 10–50' adaptation to growing in containers: not recommended soil pH: 6.0–7.5 salt tolerance: good pruning: prune to keep within picking light: wind resistance: good full sun height and induce branching; do not water: drought tolerant prune into old wood management temperature: 65–95°F special cultural hints: do not overwater fertilizer needs: medium suggested companion plantings: low- recommended spacing: 15' apart growing beach plants Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 143 tree heliotrope
Plant characteristics
height: 10–15' spread: 15' growth rate: slow at maturity growth habit: round-headed, small tree
flowers size: small (individually), forming clusters color: white shape: tubular fragrance: none flowers in first year: from cutting, yes; no information for seed or air layer
flowering period: year-round The lei shown also contains aster, rose, and ‘ülei. time to flowering: several years from
seed, 1–2 years from cutting and air Introduced Perennials storing raw lei materials: layer Harvesting put stems in considerations water and refrigerate at 40°F for up inducing and maintaining flowering: al- to 10 days ways flowering what is harvested: flowers and fruit preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- clusters kled, limp, or poor-quality areas fruits best time of day to harvest: before adding to lei size: 1 early morning ⁄5" storing a completed lei before wearing: color: pale green to brown best way to transport from picking area: soak lei, drip dry, wrap in damp paper or cloth bag newspaper, place in sealed plastic shape: round container, and refrigerate avoid contact with these products: fragrance: none smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, preserving a lei for long-term storage or time to fruiting: many years from seed and wilting flowers display: cannot be preserved fruiting period: late summer Notes on lei making Reference and further pests reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, common diseases: root rots if too wet, wrist, ankle, horse Rauch, Fred D. 1996. Tropical Landscape Plants. 3rd ed. Battle Ground, Washington: leaf and flower spots vase life: 7 days Hawaii Floriculture. other pests: ants, mealybugs cleaning of plant materials: cold water soak 144 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei tuberose
other common names: azucena, ku- natural setting/location: native to paloke, nardo Mexico scientific name: Polianthes tuberosa current status in the wild in hawai‘i: family: Agavaceae (agave family) not found cultivars: ‘Excelsior’, ‘Pearl’
Growing your own
propagation form: corms (1½–2" diameter) preplanting treatment: dip corms in insecticide for corm mealybugs planting depth: plant corm 1½" deep in medium corm rooting time: 10 days
preferred production conditions general soil characteristics: well- drained, loamy soil to minimize incidence of soil-borne fungi and damping off organisms elevation : 10–1000'; prefers moderate management soil pH: 6.0–6.5 elevations, such as conditions found on slopes of Haleakalā on Maui or fertilizer needs: medium light: full sun in Waimea on Hawai‘i; has done recommended spacing: 6–8" in rows, water: high water requirement; don’t well in lowlands, such as 300' in 8" between rows, or 1' square or allow corms to dry out Ho‘olehua during winter and spring triangle; many different planting months temperature: 68–90°F to develop systems are used for production salt tolerance: flowers of large size, amount, and poor adaptation to growing in containers: yes, good keeping quality; for optimum wind resistance: moderate (but flower pots 8" or larger root growth, average soil tempera- stalks can be blown over in strong pruning: ture should be above 68°F cut stalk to base after flower- winds) ing special cultural hints: grow on mounds for good drainage to avoid root rot; sterilize soil to avoid nematodes; use corms 1" or larger in diameter Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 145 tuberose
Plant characteristics
height: plant: up to 2'; flower stalk: 2–5' spread: 12" growth rate: fast in summer, slow in winter growth habit: low growing, herbaceous
flowers size: 2–3" long, 1–1½" diameter color: white shape: star-shaped tubular flower with rounded petals (only double-petalled flowers used for lei) fragrance: very sweet The lei shown also contains shinobu. flowers in first year: yes flowering period: year-round, heaviest best way to transport from picking area: Introduced Perennials in spring and summer References and further brown paper bag time to flowering: 4–6 months, de- reading pending on temperature and time of avoid contact with these products: Armitage, Allan M. 1993. Specialty Cut year smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, Flowers, The Production of Annuals, Peren- and wilting flowers inducing and maintaining flowering: regu- nials, Bulbs, and Woody Plants for Fresh lar fertilizer and irrigation and Dried Cut Flowers. Portland, Oregon: Notes on lei making Varsity Press and Timber Press. pests Benschop, M. 1993. “Polianthes.” In: The best for which type of lei: neck, head, Physiology of Flower Bulbs. A. Deltertogh common diseases: Pythium root rot wrist, ankle, horse and M. LeNard, eds., p. 589–601. fungus, bacterium, southern blight, vase life: 7 days if flowers on stalk Horton, Alvin, and James McNair, 1987. Botrytis blossom rot, foliar and root- All About Bulbs. San Ramon, California: knot nematodes cleaning of plant materials: cold water Ortho Books. other pests: ants, aphids, blossom soak Trujillo, E. 1961. Diseases of Tuberose in midge, carmine spider mite, mealy- storing raw lei materials: store flowers Hawaii. University of Hawai‘i, CTAHR, bugs, slugs, thrips in paper box and refrigerate at 40°F CES Circular 427. for up to 4 days Yadav, L.P., and R.G. Maity. 1989. “Tube- rose.” In: Commercial Flowers. L.P. Bose preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- Harvesting and L.P. Yadav, eds., p. 519–543. Calcutta, considerations kled, limp, or poor-quality areas India: Naya Prokash. before adding to lei what is harvested: majority of flowers storing a completed lei before wearing: open mist lei, wrap in damp paper towel, harvesting techniques: grasp individual place in paper box, and refrigerate flowers at base and give a gentle tug preserving a lei for long-term storage or best time of day to harvest: display: cannot be preserved early morning 146 Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei violet
other common names: Australian vio- natural setting/location: V. odorata: let (Viola hederacea), sweet violet Eurasia and Africa; V. hederacea: (V. odorata), waioleka Australia scientific name: Viola hederacea, current status in the wild in hawai‘i: V. odorata V. odorata naturalized in some wet areas on Lāna‘i and Kaua‘i family: Violaceae (violet family)
Growing your own salt tolerance: poor wind resistance: poor propagation management form: seeds (V. odorata); division; cuttings (taken in spring, rooted in fertilizer needs: very sand) light preplanting treatment: none recommended spacing: 6–8" apart planting depth: sow seeds 1⁄16–1⁄8" deep, barely covering with medium; adaptation to growing keep division root crown just below in containers: yes, soil level; insert base of cutting 1–2" raised beds into medium pruning: not neces- germination time: 10–20 days at 70°F sary; remove old leaves cutting rooting time: 3–4 weeks special cultural hints: preferred production plants vegetate at conditions high temperature, so keep cool; V. general soil characteristics: light, sandy hederacea grows soil, well drained and flowers year- soil pH: 6.0–7.0 round in Hawai‘i, while V. odorata light: partial to heavy shade flowers in spring water: high-quality water, applied only; too much sunlight causes Plant characteristics deeply once a week burning; mulch to keep soil cool and moist; becomes chlorotic at high soil height: 4–6" temperature: 60°F (day), 50°F (night); pH; water from bottom rather than spread: tolerates warmer from top to protect fragile flowers 12–20"; forms mat or runners elevation: 1000–3000' (V. odorata); growth rate: 6–10" a year 200–500' (V. hederacea) growth habit: low growing, herbaceous Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei 147 violet
flowers size: ½–1¼" color: violet, white, yellow; V. hed- eracea: blue-violet and white shape: 5-petalled fragrance: sweet (V. odorata), none (V. hederacea) flowers in first year: yes, depending on when propagated; V. odorata flowers in first year if started from seed in early spring flowering period: V. odorata: 8–12 weeks in spring; V. hederacea: year- round time to flowering: perennial; less likely to flower in long days of summer and early fall
pests The lei shown also contains leatherleaf fern, goldenrod, German statice, baby’s breath, and Introduced Perennials statice. common diseases: root rot (Phytoph- thora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia), leaf spots (Colletotrichum, Spaceloma), black root (Thielaviopsis basicola), Notes on lei making References and further root-knot nematode reading best for which type of lei: neck, head, other pests: aphids, mealybugs, mites, wrist, ankle Post, Kenneth. 1950. Florist Crop Produc- slugs tion and Marketing. New York: Orange Judd vase life: 3–7 days Publishing Co. Inc. cleaning of plant materials: stick stems Harvesting Rowell, Raymond J. 1992. Ornamental considerations in water Plants in Australia: Annuals, Soft-wooded Perennials, Bulbous and Climbing Plants. storing raw lei materials: place in what is harvested: flowers with 1–2" Kensington, Australia: New South Wales sealed plastic container or glass vase University Press. of stem and refrigerate at 40°F for up to 7 harvesting techniques: pinch stems days best time of day to harvest: preparing for use in lei: clip off wrin- early morning kled, limp, or poor-quality areas before adding to lei best way to transport from picking area: plastic container storing a completed lei before wearing: mist lei, shake off excess water, avoid contact with these products: place in sealed plastic container, and smoke, car exhaust, ripening fruits, refrigerate wilting flowers preserving a lei for long-term storage or display: cannot be preserved