Hawaiian Hibiscus Meaning and Facts

The yellow hibiscus is also known by several other names, including Brackenridge's
rosemallow, aloalo and ma'o hau hele, which can be translated as "traveling green hau."
According to HawaiianNativePlants.com, the shrub got the name from its tendency to
become top-heavy as it matures and then grow new shoots after it falls over.

This endangered shrub is native to the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai,
Lānai, Maui and Hawaii, notes Native Plants Hawaii. It is found in the dry regions at
lower elevations up to 2,999 feet. Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe are the only two Hawaiian
islands where the species is not found, notes the University of Hawaii at Manoa,
Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database.
The hibiscus plant was named the official flower of Hawaii in 1923, but it was not until
1988 that the state specified Hibiscus brackenridgei as the specific species for the
state's official flower.

Hawaiian Hibiscus Tree Physical Features

The yellow hibiscus ranges in size from a small 2- to 6-foot-tall shrub to a larger 15- to
30-foot-tall tree. The mature plant has a spread of 8 to 10 feet, notes Native Plants
Hawaii.

The flowers of this species of hibiscus are yellow and fragrance-free with sharp prickles
around the base. The flowers are large and open to 4 to 6 inches across. Some
varieties have red or maroon in the center of the flowers. The Hawaiian hibiscus flowers
bloom in the winter and spring. The leaves of the plant are 2 to 6 inches long and have
a coarse texture and toothed edges.

The Hawaiian hibiscus tree is endangered and rarely found. It grows naturally in dry
shrublands in Hawaii. It can be grown as an ornamental shrub or tree in a home
landscape. It also does well as a container plant. This hibiscus can live five years or
more.

Hawaiian Hibiscus Care

Plant yellow hibiscus in full sun. It will do well if planted by a south-facing wall. It needs
moist, well-drained soil. This shrub has low water and fertilizer needs, notes Native
Plants Hawaii. Use a 2-1-3 fertilizer, and make sure to select one with minor elements,
including iron and magnesium.
The yellow hibiscus has a shallow root system and must be protected from strong winds
that can uproot the plant. Pruning is important to prevent the shrub from becoming top-
heavy. Prune back about one-third of the tree after the spring flowering. Be sure to
disinfect your gardening tools with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol before pruning to prevent
spreading disease to your hibiscus, advises the University of Florida.

The yellow hibiscus is susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew if grown in wet soil.
Pests that tend to infest the yellow hibiscus include mealy bugs, spider mites, whiteflies
and aphids.

Source: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/interesting-yellow-hibiscus-69094.html