How to Grow 'Āke 'āke
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'Āke 'āke
Dodonaea viscosa
shrub'Āke 'āke is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub native to Hawaii and other Pacific regions, prized for its ornamental foliage that ranges from green to reddish-bronze depending on variety and growing conditions. It produces distinctive papery, winged seed capsules (samaras) in shades of pink, red, or orange. This hardy, low-maintenance shrub is excellent for xeriscape landscaping, windbreaks, and coastal environments.
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Example 'Āke 'āke timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant 'Āke 'āke
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 'Āke 'āke
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact 'Āke 'āke dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; best for warm, dry climates; frost-sensitive below 25°F (-4°C)
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Get my 'Āke 'āke timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves; slow initial growth; delicate and susceptible to overwatering
Provide bright light and minimal water; allow soil to dry between waterings; use well-draining seed-starting mix; avoid fungal issues with good air circulation
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plants developing stronger root systems; foliage becomes more vigorous; growth remains slow to moderate
Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots; gradually reduce watering frequency; light fertilization optional; prune lightly to encourage bushiness
Vegetative Growth
12-24 monthsPlant develops full canopy; foliage colors deepen; no flowers yet; reaches mature height and width
Minimal supplemental water except in extreme drought; prune to shape if desired; no fertilizer needed in poor soils; monitor for scale insects
Flowering & Fruiting
6-9 months per cycleSmall inconspicuous flowers appear in clusters; distinctive papery seed capsules develop in shades of pink, red, orange, or bronze
No special care needed; allow capsules to mature for ornamental display; deadhead if you prefer not to self-seed; seeds are dispersed by wind
Mature
Years 3+Fully established shrub at 6-12 feet tall (depending on variety); dense foliage; prolific seed production; long-lived
Essentially maintenance-free; prune only to maintain shape or remove dead wood; no watering needed except in severe drought; no fertilizer necessary
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune affected branches; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; inspect regularly on stressed plants
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Remove with strong water spray; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infested plants; prune heavily infected branches
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Increase humidity around plant; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes mites
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use well-draining soil; remove and destroy severely affected plants; improve air circulation
Uses
Traditional Hawaiian Beverage
CulinaryIn Hawaiian culture, 'āke 'āke leaves were traditionally brewed into a tea used for various purposes. The foliage contains compounds with aromatic properties. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalVarious Pacific Island cultures have used 'āke 'āke for traditional remedies, though modern scientific validation is limited. Compounds in the plant have been studied for potential antimicrobial properties. [source]
Xeriscape & Sustainable Landscaping
Household'Āke 'āke is ideal for drought-resistant landscaping, water conservation projects, and native plant restoration. Its minimal water needs make it valuable in arid and semi-arid regions. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Ornamental Display
CraftThe distinctive colored seed capsules are prized in floral design and dried flower arrangements. They retain color and papery texture for extended periods, making them valuable for decorative use. [source]
Native Plant Restoration & Habitat
Wildlife'Āke 'āke supports native Hawaiian ecosystems and provides structure for native birds and insects. Its use in native plant gardens helps restore biodiversity in Pacific Island environments. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
No harvest needed for ornamental use. Seed capsules mature in 4-6 months after flowering and can be left on plant for display or collected when papery and dry for dried arrangements. Seeds naturally disperse when capsules split; collect before dispersal if you want to control propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Āke 'āke's name comes from Hawaiian, and the plant is sacred in Hawaiian culture, traditionally used in lei-making and for its symbolic significance.
- 🌱 The distinctive winged seed capsules (samaras) are so papery and colorful they're often mistaken for flowers; their red, pink, and bronze hues intensify under stress (dry conditions, intense sun), making drought actually enhance ornamental value.
- 🌱 This shrub is found naturally across multiple continents (Hawaii, Caribbean, Australia, East Africa, India) and thrives in some of Earth's most arid, challenging environments, making it one of the world's most genuinely low-maintenance ornamental plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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