Maui planting guide

Right plant.
Right place.

Explore Hawaiian native plants and common tropical landscape choices for Maui. Compare form, water needs, mature size, and practical uses before planning your property.

Explore the guide
FEATURED NATIVEPōhinahinaSalt-tolerant · fragrant · low-water
7Native Hawaiian selections
51Common non-native selections

Why native? Well-matched native plants can reduce water demand, reinforce Maui’s sense of place, and support local ecology. Every property still needs site-specific selection.

Plant library

Build your Maui palette.

This is a practical starting point—not a live availability list. Compare each plant’s character, light, water, size, and landscape use to start building a palette for your property.

Showing 58 of 58 plants

ʻĀkia — Wikstroemia uva-ursiNative HawaiianSeen in supplier inventory

ʻĀkia

Wikstroemia uva-ursi
Plant

A compact Maui-native shrub with glossy leaves, small yellow flowers, and bright red fruit.

Best use
Low hedge, mass planting, dry garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Low once established
Mature size
1–3 ft tall
Nursery sizes
3.5 in
Photo / reference: Bishop Museum / Forest & Kim Starr
ʻIlima Papa — Sida fallaxNative HawaiianSeen in supplier inventory

ʻIlima Papa

Sida fallax
Plant

A low, spreading form of ʻilima with golden flowers—well suited to sunny, warm landscapes.

Best use
Groundcover, borders, lei garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
1–2 ft tall
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Smithsonian NMNH
Pōhinahina — Vitex rotundifoliaNative HawaiianSeen in supplier inventory

Pōhinahina

Vitex rotundifolia
Plant

A fragrant, silver-green coastal groundcover with small purple flowers and excellent salt tolerance.

Best use
Coastal beds, erosion control, groundcover
Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Mature size
1–3 ft tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Plant Pono
Naupaka Kahakai — Scaevola taccadaNative HawaiianSeen in supplier inventory

Naupaka Kahakai

Scaevola taccada
Plant

A durable coastal shrub recognized by its distinctive white half-flowers and thick green foliage.

Best use
Coastal hedge, windbreak, screening
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
3–10 ft tall
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Hawaiʻi DLNR Forestry Program
Loulu — Pritchardia spp.Native Hawaiian

Loulu

Pritchardia spp.
Palm

Hawaiʻi’s signature fan palms bring strong vertical form and a distinctly native identity to a landscape.

Best use
Specimen palm, entry feature, native garden
Light
Sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate; species dependent
Mature size
25–60 ft tall
Photo / reference: Palmpedia
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua — Metrosideros polymorphaNative Hawaiian

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Metrosideros polymorpha
Tree

A foundational Hawaiian forest tree with lehua blossoms that range from red to yellow.

Best use
Native feature tree, habitat garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate; site dependent
Mature size
Highly variable; often 15–40 ft
Photo / reference: University of Hawaiʻi
Koa — Acacia koaNative Hawaiian

Koa

Acacia koa
Tree

A landmark Hawaiian canopy tree known for curved phyllodes, broad form, and culturally important wood.

Best use
Large property, restoration, shade tree
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate while establishing
Mature size
50–80+ ft tall
Photo / reference: Bishop Museum / Forest & Kim Starr
Croton — Codiaeum variegatumCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum
Plant

Bold evergreen foliage in red, yellow, orange, and green adds reliable tropical color without relying on flowers.

Best use
Accent planting, hedge, color mass
Light
Sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
4–8 ft tall
Varieties
Banana, Gold Dust, Mammy, McKenzie, Norma, Petra, Zanzibar, Duckfoot, Yellow Mame
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Mais Plantas
Bougainvillea — Bougainvillea spp.Common non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea spp.
Plant

A vigorous, drought-tolerant flowering accent with brilliant colored bracts for sunny Maui properties.

Best use
Wall color, trained screen, feature shrub
Light
Full sun
Water
Low once established
Mature size
10–30 ft if untrained
Varieties
Barbara Karst, Miss Manila, Purple, Pink Thai Delight
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal / 3 gal
Photo / reference: Wikimedia Commons
Gardenia — Gardenia jasminoidesCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides
Plant

Glossy foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers make gardenia a premium entry and patio planting.

Best use
Entry bed, fragrance garden, low hedge
Light
Morning sun / partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
4–8 ft tall
Varieties
Aimee, Mystery, Tiare Dwarf, Nanu
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Sugar Green Gardens
Hibiscus — Hibiscus rosa-sinensisCommon non-native

Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Plant

A classic tropical flowering shrub with glossy foliage and large, vivid blooms that bring strong year-round color to warm Maui landscapes.

Best use
Flowering hedge, accent shrub, tropical color
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
4–10 ft tall; cultivar dependent
Varieties
Red, Brilliant Red, California Gold, Double Orange, Double Pink, Double White, June Carol, Kaiser Pink, Native Red, Native White, Peach, Seminole
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Robert F. Tobler / Wikimedia Commons
Heliconia (Lobster Claw) — Heliconia rostrataCommon non-native

Heliconia (Lobster Claw)

Heliconia rostrata
Plant

A bold tropical clumping plant with broad green foliage and dramatic hanging red-and-yellow bracts that create an unmistakable resort-style look.

Best use
Tropical screen, feature planting, poolside backdrop
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate to high
Mature size
5–8 ft tall; clumping
Varieties
Various
Nursery sizes
3 gal
Photo / reference: Asienda plant encyclopedia
Spider Lily — Crinum asiaticumCommon non-native

Spider Lily

Crinum asiaticum
Plant

A bold tropical lily with broad, arching foliage and fragrant white flowers made of long, narrow petals that create its distinctive spider-like form.

Best use
Foundation bed, tropical border, poolside accent
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–5 ft tall and wide
Nursery sizes
1 gal
Photo / reference: SuperJew / Wikimedia Commons
Oyster Plant — Tradescantia spathaceaCommon non-native

Oyster Plant

Tradescantia spathacea
Plant

A compact foliage plant with upright green leaves and rich purple undersides, forming neat rosettes that provide reliable color and texture.

Best use
Groundcover, border edging, mass planting, container accent
Light
Partial shade to full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
1–2 ft tall; spreading clumps
Varieties
Tricolor
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons
Ixora — Ixora coccinea hybridsCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Ixora

Ixora coccinea hybrids
Plant

Dense evergreen growth and repeated flower clusters make ixora a dependable tropical border or hedge.

Best use
Flowering hedge, foundation bed, color mass
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–8 ft tall
Varieties
Maui Yellow, Thai Red, Maui Red
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: ConstruindoDECOR
Areca Palm — Dypsis lutescensCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens
Palm

A fast-growing clumping palm widely used in Hawaiʻi for soft screening and tropical enclosure.

Best use
Privacy screen, pool backdrop, wind filtering
Light
Sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
15–25 ft tall
Nursery sizes
5 gal
Photo / reference: A-Z Animals
Triangle Palm — Dypsis decaryiCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Triangle Palm

Dypsis decaryi
Palm

A sculptural Madagascar palm with fronds arranged in three ranks, creating a strong architectural focal point.

Best use
Specimen palm, modern tropical feature
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
20–30 ft tall
Nursery sizes
5 gal
Photo / reference: Oficina do Paisagista
Plumeria — Plumeria rubra hybridsCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Plumeria

Plumeria rubra hybrids
Tree

A classic tropical flowering tree with a sculptural canopy and fragrant blooms used throughout island landscapes.

Best use
Feature tree, lawn accent, lei garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
15–25 ft tall
Varieties
Bridalveil
Nursery sizes
5 gal
Photo / reference: Debungor
Puakenikeni — Fagraea berteroanaCommon non-native

Puakenikeni

Fagraea berteroana
Tree

A treasured fragrant flowering tree whose creamy white blossoms mature to rich yellow-orange and are traditionally gathered for lei.

Best use
Fragrance garden, lei garden, specimen tree
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
15–30 ft maintained; larger with age
Photo / reference: iNaturalist
Autograph Tree (Pitch Apple) — Clusia roseaCommon non-native

Autograph Tree (Pitch Apple)

Clusia rosea
Tree

A dense tropical evergreen with thick, leathery leaves that retain marks scratched into their surface—giving the autograph tree its familiar name.

Best use
Privacy screen, large hedge, windbreak, specimen tree
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Mature size
20–30 ft tall
Photo / reference: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons
Monkeypod Tree (Rain Tree) — Samanea samanCommon non-native

Monkeypod Tree (Rain Tree)

Samanea saman
Tree

An iconic tropical shade tree with a massive umbrella-shaped canopy, finely divided foliage, and soft pink-and-white flowers. Its leaflets fold at night and during rain.

Best use
Large-property shade, specimen tree, park-like landscapes
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate until established
Mature size
40–80 ft tall; canopy can spread 60–100 ft
Photo / reference: Anuhea Hawaiʻi Plant Guide
Podocarpus — Podocarpus macrophyllusCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Podocarpus

Podocarpus macrophyllus
Tree

A clean, adaptable evergreen that can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop into a small tree.

Best use
Privacy hedge, screening, topiary
Light
Sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate while establishing
Mature size
6–15 ft as hedge; taller as tree
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal / 3 gal
Photo / reference: Eureka Farms
Bacopa — Bacopa monnieriCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri
Plant

A soft, moisture-loving ground cover with small rounded leaves and delicate white flowers.

Best use
Groundcover, moist borders, pond edges
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate to high
Mature size
2–6 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Naturescapes of Beaufort
Blue Daze — Evolvulus glomeratusCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Blue Daze

Evolvulus glomeratus
Plant

A low, trailing perennial with silvery-green foliage and clear blue flowers that open in bright light.

Best use
Groundcover, borders, cascading planters
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
9–18 in tall; 2–3 ft spread
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: NC State Extension
False Heather — Cuphea hyssopifoliaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

False Heather

Cuphea hyssopifolia
Plant

A fine-textured evergreen with small purple flowers and a naturally compact, mounded habit.

Best use
Groundcover, low border, mass planting
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
1–2 ft tall; 2–3 ft wide
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: iNaturalist
Flowering Peanut — Arachis pintoiCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Flowering Peanut

Arachis pintoi
Plant

A dense, low-growing green carpet with small yellow flowers and strong coverage for warm landscapes.

Best use
Groundcover, erosion control, lawn alternative
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate while establishing
Mature size
4–8 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Cây Xanh Đồng Nai
Hearts and Flowers — Aptenia cordifoliaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Hearts and Flowers

Aptenia cordifolia
Plant

A trailing succulent with glossy heart-shaped leaves and bright magenta flowers.

Best use
Groundcover, rock gardens, wall edges
Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Mature size
4–8 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Xedoo
Hemigraphis (Purple Waffle Plant) — Hemigraphis alternataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Hemigraphis (Purple Waffle Plant)

Hemigraphis alternata
Plant

A compact tropical foliage plant with puckered green-purple leaves that adds rich texture in shaded beds.

Best use
Groundcover, shaded border, color mass
Light
Partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
6–12 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 3.5 in
Photo / reference: Flower Database
Pink Asystasia — Asystasia gangeticaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Pink Asystasia

Asystasia gangetica
Plant

A fast-spreading tropical ground cover with glossy foliage and pale pink-to-purple trumpet-shaped flowers.

Best use
Groundcover, slope coverage, informal beds
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
6–12 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Kame Gardens
Wedelia — Sphagneticola trilobataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Wedelia

Sphagneticola trilobata
Plant

A vigorous trailing ground cover with glossy foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Best use
Groundcover, slope coverage, erosion control
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
6–12 in tall; spreading
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Wikimedia Commons
Carissa (Natal Plum) — Carissa macrocarpaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Carissa (Natal Plum)

Carissa macrocarpa
Plant

A durable evergreen with glossy foliage, white star-shaped flowers, and compact varieties suited to low coverage.

Best use
Groundcover, low hedge, coastal border
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
1–6 ft; variety dependent
Varieties
Green Carpet, Jenny, Fancy, Boxwood
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 3.5 in / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Promesse de Fleurs
Blue Agave — Agave attenuataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Blue Agave

Agave attenuata
Plant

A sculptural succulent forming smooth blue-green rosettes that bring strong form to low-water landscapes.

Best use
Specimen planting, rock garden, modern tropical bed
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low
Mature size
3–5 ft tall and wide
Varieties
Blue
Nursery sizes
5 gal
Photo / reference: Reference image
Oleander — Nerium oleanderCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Oleander

Nerium oleander
Plant

A sun-loving evergreen shrub with long leaves and repeated flower clusters in white, pink, and salmon selections.

Best use
Flowering hedge, screen, roadside color
Light
Full sun
Water
Low once established
Mature size
4–15 ft; variety dependent
Varieties
Bestil, Dwarf Salmon, Pink, White
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal / 3 gal
Photo / reference: Verdi
Dianella — Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata'Common non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Dianella

Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata'
Plant

An upright, grass-like foliage plant with green-and-cream striped leaves for clean architectural texture.

Best use
Border, mass planting, foundation bed
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
1–2 ft tall and wide
Varieties
Variegated
Nursery sizes
1 gal
Photo / reference: Native Sons Nursery
Duranta — Duranta erectaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Duranta

Duranta erecta
Plant

A versatile tropical shrub available in bright golden foliage forms and flowering green selections.

Best use
Color hedge, border, accent shrub
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–10 ft; variety dependent
Varieties
Yellow
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: PlantVine
El Dorado (Alternanthera) — Alternanthera ficoideaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

El Dorado (Alternanthera)

Alternanthera ficoidea
Plant

A compact foliage plant offered in golden, purple, and variegated forms for strong year-round color.

Best use
Groundcover, edging, color mass
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
8–18 in tall; spreading
Varieties
Golden (Yellow), Purple, Variegated
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: SiteOne Landscape Supply
Firecracker Plant — Russelia equisetiformisCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Firecracker Plant

Russelia equisetiformis
Plant

A graceful cascading plant with fine green stems and abundant tubular red flowers.

Best use
Wall edge, bank, flowering accent
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
2–4 ft tall; cascading
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Wikimedia Commons
Red Ginger — Alpinia purpurataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Red Ginger

Alpinia purpurata
Plant

A bold tropical clumping plant with broad foliage and upright spikes of vivid red bracts.

Best use
Tropical screen, feature planting, cut flowers
Light
Partial shade to filtered sun
Water
Moderate to high
Mature size
6–15 ft tall
Varieties
Red
Nursery sizes
1 gal / 3 gal
Photo / reference: Mokkie / Wikimedia Commons
Hau — Hibiscus tiliaceusCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Hau

Hibiscus tiliaceus
Tree

A salt-tolerant coastal hibiscus with heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers that deepen toward orange-red.

Best use
Coastal screen, shade, informal hedge
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
6–30 ft; dwarf forms smaller
Varieties
Green, Dwarf, Variegated
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal / 3 gal
Photo / reference: Jardinería On
Night-Blooming Jasmine — Cestrum nocturnumCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Night-Blooming Jasmine

Cestrum nocturnum
Plant

A vigorous evergreen shrub prized for intensely fragrant white-green flowers that open after sunset.

Best use
Fragrance garden, screen, evening patio backdrop
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
6–12 ft tall
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Wikimedia Commons
Mock Orange — Murraya paniculataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Mock Orange

Murraya paniculata
Plant

A dense evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers that responds well to formal pruning.

Best use
Privacy hedge, foundation planting, fragrant screen
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
6–15 ft maintained
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: The Nurso
Mexican Sage — Salvia leucanthaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Mexican Sage

Salvia leucantha
Plant

A soft, mounding sage with gray-green foliage and long purple-and-white flower spikes.

Best use
Flowering border, pollinator garden, color mass
Light
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
3–5 ft tall and wide
Nursery sizes
1 gal
Photo / reference: Royal Horticultural Society
Plumbago — Plumbago auriculataCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Plumbago

Plumbago auriculata
Plant

A sprawling evergreen shrub producing repeated clusters of soft blue or white flowers.

Best use
Flowering hedge, bank coverage, informal screen
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
3–8 ft tall and wide
Varieties
Blue (Dark Blue), White
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Random Harvest Nursery
Rose — Rosa hybridsCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Rose

Rosa hybrids
Plant

Classic flowering shrubs represented in the inventory by Iceberg and fragrant pink Lokelani selections.

Best use
Flowering bed, fragrance garden, lei garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–6 ft; variety dependent
Varieties
Iceberg, Lokelani
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: State Symbols USA
Ruellia — Ruellia simplexCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Ruellia

Ruellia simplex
Plant

An upright tropical perennial with narrow foliage and repeated blue-purple trumpet flowers.

Best use
Flowering border, mass planting, wet-area color
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
2–4 ft tall
Varieties
Blue
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Reference image
Snow Bush — Breynia distichaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Snow Bush

Breynia disticha
Plant

A colorful tropical shrub with small leaves marbled in green, cream, white, and pink.

Best use
Color hedge, accent shrub, mixed border
Light
Partial shade to filtered sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–6 ft tall
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Mulch Masters
Song of India — Dracaena reflexaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Song of India

Dracaena reflexa
Plant

A branching tropical foliage plant with narrow green leaves edged in bright yellow.

Best use
Accent shrub, container, tropical foundation planting
Light
Bright shade to partial sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
4–10 ft tall
Nursery sizes
1 gal
Photo / reference: Eureka Farms
Queen Emma Lily — Crinum augustum 'Queen Emma'Common non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Queen Emma Lily

Crinum augustum 'Queen Emma'
Plant

A dramatic tropical lily with broad burgundy-green foliage and tall clusters of fragrant white-pink flowers.

Best use
Feature planting, tropical border, poolside accent
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
4–6 ft tall and wide
Nursery sizes
5 gal
Photo / reference: Ricardo's Nursery
Texas Sage — Leucophyllum frutescensCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Texas Sage

Leucophyllum frutescens
Plant

A water-wise shrub with silver foliage and flushes of purple flowers following humid or rainy weather.

Best use
Low-water hedge, sunny border, accent shrub
Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Mature size
5–8 ft tall and wide
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 1 gal
Photo / reference: Vivian's Nursery
Agapanthus — Agapanthus africanusCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Agapanthus

Agapanthus africanus
Plant

A clumping perennial with strap-like foliage and tall stems topped by rounded clusters of blue flowers.

Best use
Border, mass planting, entry accent
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
2–4 ft in bloom
Varieties
Blue
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Tuinadvies
Lantana — Lantana camara hybridsCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Lantana

Lantana camara hybrids
Plant

A heat-tolerant flowering shrub offered in yellow, white, purple, and tricolor selections.

Best use
Flowering border, color mass, butterfly garden
Light
Full sun
Water
Low once established
Mature size
1–6 ft; variety dependent
Varieties
Yellow, White, Purple, Tricolor
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 3.5 in
Photo / reference: Rob's Plants
Pikake — Jasminum sambacCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Pikake

Jasminum sambac
Plant

A treasured fragrant jasmine with white blossoms used extensively for lei and fragrance gardens.

Best use
Lei garden, fragrant hedge, patio planting
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
3–8 ft tall
Varieties
King, Lei
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Anuhea Hawaiʻi Plant Guide
Pothos — Epipremnum aureumCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum
Plant

A vigorous tropical vine with heart-shaped leaves that creates lush coverage in shaded landscapes.

Best use
Shaded groundcover, climbing accent, container
Light
Shade to filtered sun
Water
Low to moderate
Mature size
Trailing or climbing; easily maintained
Nursery sizes
3.5 in
Photo / reference: Balcony Garden Web
Stephanotis — Stephanotis floribundaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Stephanotis

Stephanotis floribunda
Plant

A glossy evergreen vine with clusters of intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers.

Best use
Trellis, fragrance garden, bridal flower garden
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
10–20 ft vine
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Hobbikert
Wax Ficus — Ficus microcarpaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Wax Ficus

Ficus microcarpa
Tree

A dense evergreen ficus with small glossy leaves that tolerates frequent pruning into formal screens.

Best use
Privacy hedge, topiary, small shade tree
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate while establishing
Mature size
6–15 ft as hedge; larger as tree
Nursery sizes
Plugs / 3.5 in
Photo / reference: Flora Grubb Gardens
Walking Iris — Neomarica gracilisCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Walking Iris

Neomarica gracilis
Plant

A clumping iris with sword-like foliage and intricate blue-white flowers followed by plantlets on arching stems.

Best use
Shaded border, tropical mass planting, pathway edge
Light
Partial shade
Water
Moderate
Mature size
2–3 ft tall and wide
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Platypus Plants
Crown Flower — Calotropis giganteaCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Crown Flower

Calotropis gigantea
Plant

A large tropical shrub with silver-green foliage and distinctive waxy white-to-lavender crown-shaped flowers.

Best use
Lei garden, butterfly garden, specimen shrub
Light
Full sun
Water
Low once established
Mature size
6–12 ft tall
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: Wikimedia Commons
Allamanda — Allamanda cathartica hybridsCommon non-nativeSeen in supplier inventory

Allamanda

Allamanda cathartica hybrids
Plant

A glossy tropical flowering plant with large golden trumpet flowers, offered in dwarf shrub and larger bush forms.

Best use
Flowering hedge, sunny accent, trellis
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Mature size
2–10 ft; form dependent
Varieties
Dwarf, Bush
Nursery sizes
Plugs
Photo / reference: 305 Greenery
From ideas to installation

A plant list is only the beginning.

We match the palette to the property, irrigation, exposure, maintenance level, mature spacing, and the look you want—then build a clear scope for installation and long-term care.