Hibiscus arnottianus
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Hibiscus arnottianus

White rosemallow · White Molokai Hibiscus · Hawaiian white hibiscus · Koke'o-ke'oke'o · White Hibiscus

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
156
Observations
364

Description

Source: leafsnap

Hibiscus arnottianus, also known as the Hawaiian hibiscus or Ma'o hau hele, is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. This plant is native to Hawaii and typically grows in dry forests and shrublands. It can reach a height of up to 10 feet and features glossy green, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The large, showy flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange-red, or pink, and often have a dark red center. These stunning flowers bloom from late spring through early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Traditionally, Native Hawaiians have used Hibiscus arnottianus for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs, colds, sore throats, and skin irritations. Additionally, its beautiful flowers are often used for making leis. The plant thrives in full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but can also grow in alkaline soil conditions. Overall, Hibiscus arnottianus makes an excellent addition to any garden due to its vibrant flowers that bloom throughout most of the year. Its cultural significance within Hawaiian culture also makes it an important part of Hawaii's natural heritage.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

White rosemallow thrives in conditions with balanced moisture, typically requiring watering every 1 to 2 weeks. Although it originates from tropical regions and can tolerate brief droughts, it needs consistent hydration throughout the year because it is an evergreen plant.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

White rosemallow is native to open habitats like sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can tolerate Partial Sun, adapting to a range of light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for White rosemallow (Hibiscus arnottianus)?

White rosemallow (Hibiscus arnottianus) thrives in conditions that meet its sunlight requirements accurately. It requires full sun, which means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily, to flourish. However, it can also adapt to partial sun conditions, where it gets about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. This observation will help you choose locations that provide an ideal balance of light and shade, ensuring that your White rosemallow plants grow healthy and happy.

🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

White rosemallow comes from tropical areas, where the weather is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature swings is important. It generally does not tolerate cold and needs warmer temperatures to grow; if the surrounding temperature falls too low, growth may stop or the plant can die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
FAQ
What is the botanical name of White rosemallow?

The botanical name of White rosemallow is Hibiscus arnottianus.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a White rosemallow is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches and supports the production of large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and disease resistance.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

The white rosemallow, an evergreen shrub, benefits greatly from annual pruning in early spring. By removing dead branches, you can enhance air circulation and encourage more abundant flowering. Additionally, thinning out overcrowded areas allows for better light access, which strengthens the plant's structure and boosts its resistance to disease. For the best results, always use clean, sharp tools while pruning.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hibiscus
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
4.88 m
Mature Spread
4.88 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
All year round

Tags (5)

Common Names (6)

en White rosemallow
en White Molokai Hibiscus
en Hawaiian white hibiscus
en Koke'o-ke'oke'o
en White Hibiscus
en Hibiscus