Cooperative Extension Service Ornamentals and Flowers June 1997 OF-21* Kauai White Hibiscus Hibiscus waimeae A. Heller Common names: Kauai white hibiscus, kokio keokeo, kokio kea, kokio-keokeo, white Kauai hibiscus Native habitat: Hawaii (Kauai) Characteristics Kauai white hibiscus is a small, evergreen tree with gray bark, growing to 24–30 feet high. Its light green, broadly ovate (nearly round) leaves are 2–7 inches long and 1–5 inches wide, with blunt-toothed edges and downy un­ dersides. The strongly fragrant flowers have a light pink staminal column and are produced singly, near the branch ends. The flowers last only one day, opening with white petals in the morning and often turning pinkish in the afternoon. Landscape uses Kauai white hibiscus may be grown as a single speci­ men, in groups for mass plantings and screens, or pruned to a hedge. It also can be grown as a large container with Chinese rose beetles, thrips, and aphids. Stink bugs plant. Its large size, medium-textured foliage, and at­ may cause bud drop. tractive flowers make it a useful landscape plant. It is Propagation used in mauka (upland) sites. Terminal or stem cuttings 4–6 inches long can be rooted Culture with rooting hormones under mist. It may also be started Kauai white hibiscus is commonly found in Waimea from seeds, but seedlings may not be true to type. It can Canyon at 2000–3000 feet elevation. It grows best un­ be grafted and air-layered. der filtered shade in moist, well drained soils, but it will tolerate full sun and dry conditions with adequate main­ Fred D. Rauch, Heidi L. Bornhorst, Rhonda Stibbe, tenance. Periodic pruning is required to maintain size and David Hensley and promote flowering. There may be some problems CTAHR Department of Horticulture *Replaces Instant Information/Ornamentals and Flowers Series no. 21. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Charles W. Laughlin, Director and Dean, Cooperative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawaii without regard to race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or veteran status. .