Hibiscus clayi
Genus
Hibiscus
Species
clayi
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Kokiʻo ʻula
Hawaiian Names
- Kokio ula
Common Names
- Clay's hibsicus
Synonyms
- Hibiscus newhousei
Names with Unknown Sources
- Newhouse hibiscus
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
Federally Listed
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Shrub
- Tree
Mature Size, Height
- Shrub, Tall, Greater than 10
- Tree, Small, 15 to 30
Mature Size, Width
5+ foot spread.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Hedges
- Screening
- Specimen Plant
- Container
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Showy
Flower Colors
- Red
Additional Flower Color Information
Flower colors range from medium to dark red.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
Additional Blooming Period Information
Most kokiʻo ʻula are usually in constant bloom.
Plant texture
- Fine
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range from over an inch to nearly 4 inches.
Leaf Colors
- Medium Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
The smooth-edged leaves are green and shiny.
Source of Fragrance
No Fragrance
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Plants are prone to sucking insects. Chinese rose beetles can be removed by hand. The native red hibiscuses are just as prone to attract the hibiscus erineum mite as the non-native red hibiscuses.
Fertilizer
Fertilize kokiʻo ʻula using a 2-1-3 or 2-.5-3 ratio with minor elements. It is important to keep the phosphorus low because it tends to accumulate and prevents the nitrogen and potassium from working. Minor elements such as magnesium and iron are also important to maintain healthy green foliage. [1]
Pruning Information
Generally this native hibiscus can left as free forming shrubs. Hedges may need some pruning two or three times a year. Clear out dead and diseased wood for minor shaping. For pruned shrubs, they are best kept at 6 to 8 feet tall in a landscape setting.
Water Requirements
Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Kokiʻo ʻula can tolerate shade but produces more flowers in full sun.
Spacing Information
Plants should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart. For hedges 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart. Specimen plants should be should be spaced 10 to 15 feet apart.
Tolerances
- Drought
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Protect kokiʻo ʻula from strong winds especially in containers. Fairly slow growing compared with other hibiscuses. [Rick Barboza, Hui Kū Maoli Ola] Will tolerate short periods of drought [2]
Natural Zones
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50
Additional Growth Environment Information
Kokiʻo ʻula is found in a few dry forests of eastern Kauaʻi.
Special Notes and Information
The large Mallow family Malvaceae contains some 2,300 species, with notables such as okra, cacao, durian, baobab, kenaf, and cotton. [3]
There are perhaps as many as 300 species worldwide in the genus Hibiscus. There are six native species of hibiscuses in Hawaii and all but one are endemic.
The Hawaiian name Kokiʻo ʻula is shared by our two native red hibiscuses (Hibiscus clayi and H. kokio).
Hibiscus clayi differs from Hibiscus kokio in a few ways:
- Leaves of H. clayi are smooth, or occasionally toothed only near tip; H. kokio leaves are toothed from below middle to the tip (sometimes smooth).
- H. clayi is restricted to Kauaʻi; H. kokio is naturally found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi.
- H. clayi shrubs are generally more compact in habit or form than H. kokio.
Modern Use:
With so many flowers nearly always available, Clay's hibsicus makes a beautiful lei. [2]
Landscape Use:
Kokiʻo ʻula (H. clayi) are usually more compact shrubs when compared to other native hibiscuses and thus an excellent choice to use in landscapes with limited space.
This native hibiscus also makes a good container plant in 3 gallon or larger pots in sunny locations.
Additional References
[1] Jill Coryell, Hibiscus Lady
[2] "Small Trees for Tropical Landscape" by Fred D. Rauch & Paul R. Weissich, page 60.
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae [accessed 10/14/09]
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