How to Grow ʻAke
ʻAke
Dodonaea viscosa
shrubʻAke is a native Hawaiian shrub known for its distinctive winged seed pods and drought tolerance. It grows as a compact, rounded shrub with small leaves and produces unique papery fruit capsules that are often used in lei and dried arrangements. This plant is well-adapted to Hawaiian conditions and serves both ornamental and traditional cultural purposes.
When should you plant ʻAke in your zone?
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Example ʻAke timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant ʻAke
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest ʻAke
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ʻAke dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; frost-sensitive, best in warm tropical climates
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Get my ʻAke timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall plants with narrow, simple leaves emerging; growth is relatively slow
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide filtered light; transplant to individual pots when 2-3 inches tall
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung transplants developing deeper root systems and increased branching; foliage becomes denser
Water regularly to support root establishment; stake if necessary in windy locations; begin pruning for shape if desired
Vegetative Growth
6-18 monthsPlant develops full canopy with compact, rounded form; leaves remain small and linear; vigorous branching
Reduce watering frequency once established; prune lightly to maintain shape; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer if desired
Flowering & Fruiting
Ongoing seasonally, peaks spring-summerSmall, inconspicuous flowers appear, followed by distinctive winged seed pods (samaras) in shades of red, orange, or pink
Allow plants to mature fully before heavy harvesting of seed pods; deadhead if pod production is not desired; minimal additional care needed
Mature
IndefiniteEstablished shrub with full form; sustained production of colorful seed pods year-round in ideal conditions
Minimal watering except during prolonged drought; light pruning to maintain shape; harvest seed pods as needed for lei or arrangements
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; ensure adequate humidity
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray
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Manual removal with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; insecticidal soap; neem oil
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Horticultural oil spray; manual scraping; prune severely infested branches
Uses
Lei and floral arrangements
CraftThe distinctive winged seed pods are traditionally used in Hawaiian lei and dried flower arrangements, prized for their unique texture and vibrant colors that range from red to orange to pink. [source]
Dried decorations
HouseholdDried seed pods maintain their color and shape for extended periods, making them ideal for indoor dried arrangements, wreaths, and long-lasting decorative displays. [source]
Landscape design
OrnamentalʻAke serves as an attractive ornamental shrub in Hawaiian and tropical gardens, valued for its compact form, fine foliage texture, and colorful seed pod display with minimal maintenance requirements. [source]
Native ecosystem support
WildlifeAs a native Hawaiian plant, ʻAke supports indigenous insects and pollinators while helping restore native Hawaiian ecosystems when planted in restoration projects. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian uses
MedicinalʻAke has been used traditionally in Hawaiian culture for various purposes, and research continues into potential ethnobotanical applications of the plant. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest seed pods (samaras) when they reach full color and are papery and dry to the touch. Cut clusters of pods with 2-3 inches of stem attached. Best harvest is in late spring through summer when pods are most vibrant. Dry pods for several weeks in a cool, dry location before storing or arranging.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 ʻAke's winged seed pods (samaras) are naturally designed for wind dispersal and spin like helicopter blades as they fall, helping the plant spread across Hawaiian landscapes.
- 🌱 The plant is found throughout the Hawaiian islands and is naturalized in many other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, earning it the common name 'hop bush' in some areas.
- 🌱 ʻAke produces a resinous substance that makes the plant and seed pods sticky to the touch, which likely contributes to its sticky Hawaiian name and traditional uses.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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