Abutilon menziesii
Genus
Abutilon
Species
menziesii
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Koʻoloa ʻula
Hawaiian Names
- Kooloa ula
Names with Unknown Sources
- Red abutilon
- Red ilima
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
Mature Size, Width
Minimum height to width ratio 2:1.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Hedges
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
- Container
- Accent
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- Pink
- Red
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
The small hibiscus-shaped flowers generally hang downward. Though charming up close, the flowers can be hidden by the much larger leaves and not often visible at a distance. Of course, there are exceptions especially with smaller- or narrow-leaved forms.
Although the Hawaiian name ʻula refers to the more commonly seen red color, koʻoloa ʻula flowers are known in a range of colors: pink, pink and white, pale red, maroon, deep purplish-red (wine), salmon, and blond or butter. The center or staminal column is yellowish.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period Information
If flowers and seed pods are picked, flowering will continue. During the hottest parts of the year, flowering may cease for a month or two.
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
The attractive leaves are variable in shape and have a velvety (pubescent) feel to them. Leaves range between 1 and 5 inches.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Gray / Silverish
Additional Leaf Color Information
The intensity of the pubescence varies with the form, amount of sunlight and water.
Source of Fragrance
No Fragrance
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Chinese rose beetles will often chew unsightly holes in leaves. Aphids can be a problem around flower buds. Black sooty mold can be due to overwatering or in periods of continuous heavy rainfall.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer with minor elements every six months. While an occasional foliar feeding is beneficial, monitor the frequency and amounts of applications. Over fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can cause large floppy foliage, producing fewer flowers and encourages leaf-eating pests. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Pruning Information
Koʻoloa ʻula can be pruned to desired height. Avoid cutting branches too far back to the leafless wood because plants may not re-branch.
Water Requirements
Dry
Additional Water Information
It is best to water the ground beneath the shrubs to avoid excessive water on the foliage and branches which can lead to fungal problems. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Black sooty mold forming on leaves and stems, as well as a lower flower production, are tell tale signs of overwatering. Prolonged rainy periods may also cause black sooty mold to form but plants usually bounce back in the dry season. Once established there is little reason to provide additional water except in very dry periods. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Best grown in full sun for good health and highest flower production.
Spacing Information
Space them 4 to 6 feet a part to showcase individual shrubs in the landscape, or 2 to 5 feet for hedge plantings.
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Clay
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Shelter from wind.
Natural Zones
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Additional Growth Environment Information
Locally uncommon to rare in dry forests.
Special Notes and Information
Koʻoloa ʻula are smaller relatives of hibiscuses belonging to the Mallow family (Malvaceae). The Hawaiian Islands have four native species: one indigenous species (Abutilon incanum) and three endemic endangered species (A. eremitopetalum, A. menziesii, A. sandwicense).
This species easily hybridizes with the hidden-petaled abuliton (Abutilon eremitopetalum), a Lānaʻi endemic, producing an interesting cross with a balance of characteristics from both parents. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Early Hawaiian Use:
The juice of the red blossoms were used as a laxative. [2]
Modern Use
The flowers do not wilt quickly making koʻoloa ʻula a nice lei flower. [1]
Additional References
[1] "Nā Lei Makamae--The Treasured Lei" by Marie A. McDonald & Paul R. Weissich, page 52.
[2] "Native Planters in Old Hawaii--Their Life, Lore, & Environment" by E. S. Handy and Elizabeth green Handy, page 239.
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